In light of recent news about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the KAUST Medical Center (KMC) would like to ensure our community is informed about this disease.
What is Ebola?
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe, often fatal illness. In the current outbreak in West Africa, the majority of cases in humans have occurred as a result of human-to-human transmission. Infection occurs from direct contact through broken skin or mucous membranes with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people. Infection can also occur if broken skin or mucous membranes of a healthy person come into contact with environments that have become contaminated with an Ebola patient’s infectious fluids such as soiled clothing, bed linen or used needles. Read more about Ebola here.
Who is most at risk?
During an outbreak, those at higher risk of infection are health workers; family members or others in close contact with infected people; or mourners who have direct contact with the bodies of the deceased as part of burial ceremonies.
Is Ebola common in Saudi Arabia?
No. There was one suspected Ebola case identified in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a man who became symptomatic after traveling to West Africa. Samples submitted to an international reference laboratory were negative for Ebola virus. Regarding Umrah and Hajj, the Ministry of Health has decided to bar pilgrims from infected countries from participating during 2014.
How can I protect myself?
It is advised to avoid or take extreme precaution when traveling to parts of West Africa where Ebola has been reported. If you have to travel to those areas, please be sure to follow the advice of local authorities and the preventative measures listed here.
What should I do if am sick and I have recently traveled to an area affected by EVD?
Seek immediate medical attention if you have been in an area known to have Ebola virus disease or in contact with a person known or suspected to have Ebola within the last three weeks. If you begin to have symptoms such as fever, headache, achiness/muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash and red eyes, please wear a face mask and go to the nearest emergency room. Please inform the medical staff that you have traveled to an area affected by EVD (Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone). Read more advice for travelers here.
Where can I find additional information?
Up-to-date information about EVD can be found on these websites:
World Health Organization (WHO): http://who.int/ith/updates/20140421/en/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/
The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH): http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/Pages/Default.aspx
What precautions are being taken by KMC?
KMC has a response plan for contagious disease in place. Mock drills have been conducted and daily rounds are being done to ensure compliance with infection control procedures for management of patients with infectious/communicable disease which aligns with MOH instructions and WHO practices. KMC has also increased the amount of consumables for personal protective equipment and identified rooms for isolation. There is persistent staff education on management of any patient with a suspected contagious disease. Patient education on infection prevention and hand hygiene is constant at KMC.
KMC will continue to share further updates with the KAUST community as needed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact KMC at patient-relation@kaust.edu.sa.