Algeria denies any Ebola, Marburg virus cases but still urges precaution

Algerian authorities have denied any cases of haemorrhagic fever, adding that they were strictly monitoring all people entering the country.

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.

"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," the health ministry said in a statement published to its social media.

The ministry added that local authorities in all regions were told to remain vigilant, given the spread of these viruses in other countries. It asked people to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid too much exposure to sunlight.

توضيح من وزارة الصحة. pic.twitter.com/vUkbdQ1LAy

— Ministère de la Santé Algérie وزارة الصحة الجزائر (@Sante_Gouv_dz) July 18, 2023

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.

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 states have long suffered from the spread of these diseases, exacerbated by the absence of proper healthcare services and conflict.