By Ebi Kesiena
Algerian authorities have denied any cases of haemorrhagic fever, adding that they were strictly monitoring all people entering the country.
Recently, reports had emerged that the country had recorded cases of the deadly Ebola and Marburg viruses, sparking panic among Algerians.
The government was quick to deny these reports but urged caution among the population.
In a statement on Wednesday by the health ministry published on its social media noted that no case had been registered or identified.
The statement came after reports of five deaths in Tizi Ouzou from the viruses. The hospital in question denied this and said five people died from hyperthermia due to an ongoing heatwave.
“Due to the continued circulation of false information related to the presence of Ebola and Marburg virus cases in Algeria, it must be clarified that, to date, no case of these diseases has been identified or registered,”.
However, the ministry added that local authorities in all regions were told to remain vigilant, given the spread of these viruses in other countries as it urged citizens to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid too much exposure to sunlight.
Ebola, a haemorrhagic fever, mainly spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.
Symptoms of the viral disease include intense weakness, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and more.
Marburg is another highly infectious disease similar to Ebola.
African countries have long suffered from the spread of these diseases, exacerbated by the absence of proper healthcare services and conflict.
