Marburg virus: Experts confirm Saudi Arabia's readiness and the safety of its health situation
A group of leading epidemiologists and public health experts have delivered firm messages of reassurance to Saudi society, stressing that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia possesses a health security system that is among the most advanced in the region, making it safe from cross-border epidemic threats, including the Marburg virus that was recently detected in Ethiopia.
Historical background and nature of the virus
To understand the nature of the threat, it is necessary to revisit the epidemiological history of the Marburg virus, which belongs to the Filoviridae family, the same family as the infamous Ebola virus. The virus was first discovered in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have occurred in Africa. The virus's danger lies in its ability to cause severe hemorrhagic fever, with mortality rates reaching up to 88% in some strains. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral treatment, making prevention and early detection the most effective weapons against it.
The Kingdom's preparedness and crowd management expertise
In a related context, experts emphasized that the Kingdom does not rely solely on reactive measures, but possesses a robust proactive strategy. This confidence stems from the vast cumulative experience gained by the Saudi Ministry of Health through managing the Hajj and Umrah seasons and successfully handling previous epidemics such as COVID-19 and MERS. This experience has transformed Saudi entry points into a formidable barrier, supported by advanced electronic epidemiological surveillance systems capable of detecting threats before they penetrate the country.
Medical warnings and travel advice
In response to the statement issued by the Saudi Embassy in Ethiopia warning against travel to the South Omo region, Dr. Nabila Al Abdullah, Professor of Public Health, explained that the virus is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, noting that fruit bats are considered the natural reservoir for the virus. She advised avoiding caves and mines in affected areas and staying away from undercooked meat.
For his part, Dr. Ali Al-Shehri, a consultant in infectious diseases, confirmed that the current situation in Ethiopia remains confined to specific geographic areas, providing a reassuring indication that the epidemic is not completely out of control. However, he stressed the importance of visiting travel medicine clinics before traveling to any African destination to assess the risks and obtain necessary guidance, urging the postponement of non-essential travel to affected areas until the situation improves.
