Health: No Relation Between Current Cold Wave and Marburg Virus.. Influenza is More Widespread

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, denied any relationship between the current wave of respiratory viruses and the Marburg virus or hemorrhagic fever, confirming that the virus is not present in Egypt.

In statements during a television program "Al-Hekaya" with journalist Amr Adib, he stated that the Marburg virus is transmitted through body fluids and not through the air, and its source is fruit bats, which are not found in Egypt, indicating that the likelihood of Egypt being exposed to it is very low according to scientific evidence.

He pointed out that the transmission of the infection requires "close and prolonged contact," in addition to monitoring cases coming from African countries where the disease is prevalent.

He responded to the reason many feel that "this year's cold season is harsher than usual," explaining that during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2023, the COVID-19 virus was predominant, while the incidence of influenza and other respiratory viruses decreased by more than 99%.

He stated that the long absence led to a loss of the acquired immunity that bodies build annually through repeated exposure to these viruses, adding: "When influenza returned after a four-year absence, our bodies had lost the immunity that was gained each year, and thus the feeling of influenza symptoms became stronger than before, which is a very natural feeling."

He clarified that the period from October to December witnesses the spread of respiratory viruses worldwide, including Egypt.

He added that the current period is witnessing an increase in the rates of respiratory virus infections, but it is the same as what was recorded at the same time last year, noting that "Influenza A" is currently the most widespread and severe, representing 66% of cases, followed by respiratory syncytial virus, then "Influenza B," and then the coronavirus.