Egypt has not recorded any cases of Marburg virus, Ministry of Health

CAIRO - 18 November 2025: Egypt’s spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, said that Egypt has not recorded any cases of the Marburg virus disease.

 He explained that the Marburg disease is a rare viral illness from the same family as Ebola. And that it is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person: blood, vomit, feces, or by touching the body of someone who died from the disease.

He added It is not transmitted through the air, by casual greetings, or by sitting next to a healthy person. A person cannot transmit the infection until symptoms clearly appear.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population noted that the situation in Egypt is completely safe for the following reasons:

- Fruit bats, the primary vector of the disease, are not present in our natural environment.

- There is no significant direct travel between Egypt and the currently affected areas.

- Surveillance systems, airports, and seaports have been on full alert since day one.

- We have reference laboratories capable of diagnosing the disease within hours, and isolation rooms equipped to the highest standards.

He said that the disease can be prevented by following these tips:

- Always wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

- If you have traveled to any African country that has reported cases, completely avoid entering caves or old mines, and do not handle wild animals or undercooked meat.

- If you return from any African country and develop a sudden fever and severe fatigue within 21 days, immediately call 105 or go to the nearest fever hospital and inform them of your travel history.

Abdel Ghaffar explained that The Ministry is monitoring the global situation hour by hour.

“We will not hesitate for a moment to inform you of any developments as soon as they occur, with complete transparency,” He said, confirming that to date, there are no cases of Marburg virus disease in Egypt, and the health situation in the country is completely stable.