Prevention is monitoring developments regarding Ebola and Hanta and confirms readiness for Hajj
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to the safety of its citizens, residents, and pilgrims, the Public Health Authority (Weqaya) its diligent and ongoing monitoring of infectious disease developments internationally. In coordination with the World Health Organization and other international health organizations, the Authority is closely monitoring the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, as well as global developments related to the Hantavirus. These efforts underscore the Kingdom's high level of preparedness and efficiency in its epidemiological surveillance system to address any potential health risks, particularly with the approach of the Hajj season.
Historical context of the Ebola and Hanta virus outbreaks
Ebola virus is one of the deadliest viruses, first discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, the African continent has experienced several outbreaks, the most devastating being the West African outbreak of 2014–2016. In July 2019, the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Hantaviruses, on the other hand, are primarily transmitted by rodents and cause severe respiratory or renal syndromes. Despite their severity, human-to-human transmission is very rare, making their risk assessment at the international level, and in the context of large populations, relatively low compared to other highly contagious diseases.
The importance of the event and its impact at the local and international levels
These proactive measures are of paramount importance given Saudi Arabia’s status as a destination for millions of Muslims who flock annually to perform Hajj. Managing such massive gatherings requires a vigilant healthcare system capable of preventing the introduction of infectious diseases. Historically, the Kingdom has demonstrated remarkable success in protecting pilgrims from global pandemics, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the MERS outbreak. Strengthening health controls not only safeguards Saudi Arabia but also serves as a safeguard for global health security, preventing the transmission of any potential infections back to their home countries by returning pilgrims.
Tightening precautionary measures at entry points
The Public Health Authority (Wiqaaya) clarified that precautionary measures related to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo have remained in effect since July 2019, including the suspension of entry visas for those arriving from affected areas. Based on periodic reviews and ongoing risk assessments, these measures have been maintained and expanded to include stricter controls on arrivals from countries neighboring the outbreak areas, such as Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), which is an independent country and has not yet recorded any cases.
Raising the level of response during the Hajj season
To ensure the highest levels of safety, the Kingdom has raised its response level at all entry points. This includes activating rapid health response teams and intensifying health awareness and guidance programs for travelers arriving from affected areas. The full readiness of health facilities to handle any suspected cases, in accordance with internationally approved medical protocols, has also been confirmed. This is accompanied by the activation of daily epidemiological surveillance at the accommodations of pilgrims arriving from countries neighboring high-risk areas.
A message of reassurance to the pilgrims
Regarding the Hantavirus, the authority, in coordination with relevant bodies, confirmed that the virus is classified as a very low risk to the Kingdom and the Hajj season. The authority issued a clear message of reassurance to citizens, residents, and pilgrims, emphasizing that no confirmed or suspected cases of either virus have been recorded within the Kingdom. The overall health situation of the pilgrims is reassuring and stable, and is under close, round-the-clock monitoring. The Kingdom is committed to taking all necessary health measures, as dictated by developments in the global epidemiological situation, to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in a completely healthy and safe environment.
