Marburg virus outbreak: UAE urges travellers from affected countries to isolate on return

Marburg virus outbreak: UAE urges travellers from affected countries to isolate on return

The MoHAP asks residents to be aware of the virus that causes the haemorrhagic fever

Published: Tue 4 Apr 2023, 3:20 PM Last updated: Tue 4 Apr 2023, 3:29 PM

UAE residents who have travelled to two countries — where cases of the Marburg virus disease were reported — are advised to isolate themselves on returning to the country. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) recommended that the travellers seek medical attention at the nearest health facility or emergency departments within hospitals.

“Those who travelled to the affected areas should inform medical staff that they have been to an area where the Marburg virus disease is spreading or have been in contact with infected individuals,” the Mohap said in a statement.

Those displaying symptoms of the haemorrhagic fever for more than 21 days have also been urged to seek medical help.

The UAE’s foreign ministry and authorities in several Arab countries advised citizens against travelling to Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania due to the outbreak of the Marburg virus. The two countries have reported at least 14 deaths from the virus so far.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, the UAE’s health ministry advised the public against travelling to Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea “unless it’s