Between Al-Azhar's Sermon and the Ministry of Health's Denial: What is the Truth About the Spread of New Respiratory Viruses in Egypt?

Amidst varying voices and conflicting information, citizens find themselves in a state of anxiety regarding the spread of a respiratory viral infection. While last Friday's sermon from Al-Azhar Mosque, broadcast on the first channel, served as a clear warning for those experiencing any respiratory symptoms to adhere to home isolation and avoid contact to prevent the spread of infection, the official denial from the Ministry of Health states that there are currently no respiratory viruses spreading in Egypt.

Hundreds of posts and news reports about actual cases of infection among children in schools and also adults have flooded social media.

Some social media pages circulated rumors regarding the sermon last Friday, November 21, 2025, broadcast from Al-Azhar Mosque, claiming it included warnings about the spread of a respiratory virus in Egypt.

In reality, the sermon was titled: "Be Beautiful and You Will See the Existence as Beautiful," delivered by Dr. Abbas Shoman, the former Deputy of Al-Azhar and Secretary-General of the Senior Scholars Authority. Although the sermon was aired on Egyptian television channels and published through the official account of "Al-Azhar Mosque," its content regarding health was limited to general awareness and advisory tips for the public on the importance of taking necessary preventive measures against any seasonal viral infections, especially in winter, without referencing any specific epidemic outbreak.

The text of the sermon stated: "Those who suffer from colds and other infectious diseases are required by law to take the necessary precautions to avoid harming others, by isolating themselves from crowded places or taking maximum preventive measures when they must go out, as this is a duty based on the principle of 'Do not harm others,' mentioned in the noble hadith: 'Do not harm others, for it is a charity you give to yourself.'

Shoman added: "Anyone suffering from any of these infectious diseases should stay away from crowded places, and workers in factories or organizations should take a break, and those responsible for these organizations should respond to the requests of the infected and grant them paid leave to ensure the protection of other employees."

He also warned against: "The common mistake of some parents in hiding their children's infectious illness and sending them to school," considering this act intentional harm and a betrayal that contradicts the legal principle: 'No harm and no reciprocating harm.'

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, clarified during a phone interview on the program "Hadret Al-Muwatin" on "Al-Hadath Al-Youm" channel that the current rise in respiratory virus infection rates is a normal occurrence and does not differ from the rates recorded during the same period in previous years.

Abdel Ghaffar emphasized that: "There is no new or dangerous virus that was not previously known," thus denying the existence of any new epidemic virus. He added: "The most prevalent virus currently is the influenza virus type 'A.'

He also stressed the necessity of adhering to the required vaccinations against seasonal influenza, urging to take precautionary measures into account to avoid the risk of contracting any respiratory viruses, and noted the possibility of contacting the ministry's hotline 105 for complaints.

In a related context, Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, during television statements on the program "Al-Hekaya" with journalist Amr Adib, expressed that there is no connection between the respiratory diseases prevalent during this period and the Marburg virus or hemorrhagic fever. He pointed out that the Marburg virus is transmitted through body fluids and not through the air, and its source is fruit bats that are not found in Egypt.

Abdel Ghaffar added: "The period from October to December witnesses the spread of respiratory viruses worldwide, including Egypt."

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar provided several tips to avoid children in schools contracting influenza, including:

- Vaccinating the child with the seasonal influenza vaccine if they have not received it yet (especially children aged 6 months to 5 years).

- Keeping the child at home as soon as any symptoms appear (fever - cough - congestion - fatigue) until they fully recover for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

- Training the child to wash their hands well with soap and water and to use a tissue when sneezing or coughing.

- If the child has chronic illnesses (asthma - heart diseases - weakened immunity), it is preferable to consult a pediatrician before returning to school if any respiratory symptoms are present.

In addition to the ongoing daily efforts by the Ministry of Health and medical teams to monitor the epidemiological rates of seasonal influenza - respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - and other common viruses across the republic, ensuring that annual infection rates are as expected at this time of year or increasing, and announcing any new developments with full transparency, there is no unusual spread or new virus that warrants concern.