Avian Flu Diary: MERS And Loathing In The UAE

# 8477

The headline in the photo above says quite clearly what is all-too-apparent when monitoring Arabic twitter feeds discussing the MERS coronavirus; regardless of government assurances that everything is `stable’, the level of anxiety in the UAE (and elsewhere in the Middle East) has been on the rise over the past week.

Parents are keeping their children out of school, masks are being worn in public (and are reportedly in short supply), and social media rumors are rushing in to to fill the `vacuum’ left by a dearth of official information.

We’ve some excerpts from the newspaper report above, which indicates a brisk trade in both masks and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®) at regional pharmacies (Note: Tamiflu is an influenza-specific antiviral, and would not be expected to provide therapeutic benefits for coronavirus infections), and a statement from the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

A state of anxiety felt by parents

Dubai: Rising demand for masks for fear of "Corona" and the Health Authority denies the existence of injuries

See pharmacies in Dubai were high on the masks and anti viral "Tammy-Flo", with some residents worried about injuries to the coronavirus in the UAE, said an informed source in DHA for 24 free Principality of cases of Corona, said Dubai ambulance did not deal with possible cases of the disease and its symptoms, sound and educationalists that back-to-school season came naturally and absenteeism among students.

Pharmaceutical said Ruba ESRB for 24 that there was a large turnout in recent masks covering nose and mouth, and said: "people are reluctant to buy boxes full of gags, asking about its effectiveness in the non-transmission of disease or virus to their children among school children."

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Political disclosures
An informed source said the Dubai health authority, who wished to remain anonymous, for 24 not recording any infected with the disease at the level of hospitals and medical centers of the body, showing that the Commission is committed to a policy of non-disclosure of any information about the virus, as instructed by the Ministry of health, the prevalence and seriousness of the virus in the State.

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As we’ve seen in neighboring Saudi Arabia, the UAE seems heavily focused on quashing rumors and reassuring the public, insisting that the coronavirus is `not a public health concern’. Here is the official statement as it appears on the Abu Dhabi Health Authority Website:

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) reassures citizens and residents in the Emirate on the MERS Coronavirus

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) reassures citizens and residents in the Emirate on the MERS Coronavirus (MERS COV) illness status and asks the public to practise their daily life activities normally. HAAD calls all residents to avoid rumors and refer to official reliable sources for information on the illness.

HAAD confirmed that the current situation is not a public health concern and that it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other authorities in the country, and has taken all necessary measures as per international standards and recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), including screenings for all contacts of affected individuals as per international standards and best practice.

HAAD advises the public to follow these tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with people with fever or flu-like illnesses

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.

Wear masks in mass gatherings like Hajj or Umrah.

HAAD stressed the need to follow information released about the illness by the Ministry of Health and health authorities. Cases of MERS COV have been reported by the WHO from 2012.

The MOH stated that the WHO confirmed the virus is not a concern for public health at the moment, and that the current situation does not require a travel ban to any country in the world, screenings at different ports, or any restrictions on trade.

The MOH reassured everyone that globally, detected cases continue to be very low compared to other types of flu-like illness. The MOH confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

The MOH and Health Authorities along with the WHO are working closely with all government and health authorities to understand the risks of this virus and the way it spreads between people.

While the MERS situation in the UAE, Yemen, Jordan, and most particularly Saudi Arabia remains fluid and confusing, and case numbers are bound to change, last night CIDRAP News put together as cogent of a review of the situation as was possible at the end of day yesterday.