The Ebola epidemic has killed nearly 900 people in West Africa since it occurred in Guinea this March and now it may have spread to the Middle East. The Saudi Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that it is now testing a man with similar to Ebola symptoms.
The dangerous disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is caused by the Ebola virus and with a death rate of up to 90%, it is considered one of the deadliest infections on the planet. Currently there is no vaccine and no effective treatment as well, which combined with the poor conditions and lack of understanding in African communities, it is extremely hard to deal with, experts explain. Since March this year, the virus has infected more than 1,600 people and killed nearly 900 of them, according to official data by the World Health Organization. Until now, the outbreak was isolated to four West African countries – Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria. But Saudi Arabia announced that it is now testing a patient for possible Ebola infection.
The man, who is in his 40s, became sick after returning from a business trip to Sierra Leone, the Saudi Ministry of health said on Tuesday. He was hospitalized in Jeddah and started experiencing symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever, which resembles Ebola disease. In order to prevent possible spreading, the health care workers have isolated the patient at a specialized hospital. Blood samples were sent an international laboratory in coordination with the WHO. Until results come out, it won’t be clear if the man contracts Ebola or not.
Saudi Arabia has already taken measures to prevent the deadly disease from spreading to the Middle East. It banned Hajj pilgrims from Ebola-affected countries, suspending the issuance of visas until further notice. Currently, this is the worst Ebola outbreak in history, according to scientists, despite the fact that the infection can be transmitted only by direct contact with blood or bodily fluids from a sick individual.
