MENA, West Asia: COVID-19 transmission continues across the region as of April /update 12

Event

Several countries and territories in MENA and West Asia continue to report COVID-19 transmission. According to data from the WHO through April 15, the following countries and territories in MENA and West Asia have identified confirmed COVID-19 cases:

Sporadic cases:

• Saudi Arabia: 402,142 cases*

Clusters of cases:

• Morocco: 504,260 cases

Community transmission:

• Turkey: 4,086,957 cases*

• Iran: 2,168,872 cases*

• Israel: 836,726 cases

• Iraq: 956,860 cases*

• Pakistan: 745,182 cases*

• Jordan: 679,138 cases*

• Lebanon: 504,800 cases

• United Arab Emirates: 491,423 cases*

• Palestinian Territories: 276,407 cases*

• Tunisia: 279,376 cases*

• Kuwait: 253,066 cases*

• Egypt: 213,798 cases*

• Qatar: 193,952 cases*

• Oman: 176,668 cases*

• Libya: 170,558 cases*

• Bahrain: 160,934 cases*

• Algeria: 119,142 cases

• Afghanistan: 57,721 cases*

• Syria: 20,713 cases

• Yemen: 5,657 cases*

*As of April 15, 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 occurs 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. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

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