MENA, West Asia: COVID-19 transmission continues across the Middle East, North Africa, and West Asia as of February. /update 10

Event

Several countries and territories in MENA and West Asia continue to report coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission. According to data through Feb. 10 from the WHO, the following countries and territories in MENA and West Asia have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases:

Sporadic cases:

• Saudi Arabia: 370,987 cases

Clusters of cases:

• Morocco: 476,125 cases

• Egypt: 170,780 cases*

• Bahrain: 108,807 cases*

• Afghanistan: 55,402 cases

Community transmission:

• Turkey: 2,539,559 cases

• Iran: 1,481,396 cases*

• Iraq: 609,029 cases

• Pakistan: 556,519 cases*

• Israel: 550,465 cases*

• Jordan: 338,322 cases*

• United Arab Emirates: 332,603 cases

• Lebanon: 255,956 cases

• Tunisia: 218,564 cases

• Palestinian Territories: 184,999 cases*

• Kuwait: 172,996 cases*

• Qatar: 155,002 cases*

• Oman: 136,187 cases*

• Libya: 125,561 cases

• Algeria: 109,313 cases*

• Syria: 14,611 cases

• Yemen: 2,135 cases

*As of Feb. 9, active cases in the country are increasing.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission does occur, primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base
WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel
US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces
US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress
New England Journal of Medicine: COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs