Bahrain: Government confirms 23 cases of COVID-19 February 25 /update 3

Event

The Bahraini Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday, February 25, that there are now 23 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country. Six additional cases were added to the total count on Tuesday, all from individuals who had traveled to Iran and were detected at Bahrain International Airport (BAH) upon their return. They were immediately transferred to a healthcare center and put in isolation. Authorities have suspended all private and public schools, universities, and nurseries from opening for two weeks as of February 25 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Bahrain's aviation authority also said that it is implementing all the necessary screening measures at BAH. All arrivals to BAH suspected of contracting the virus will be examined, and all arrivals showing symptoms will be transported immediately to designated centers for treatment and isolation.

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced a temporary ban on those traveling into the country from Iran, warning that anyone that does not abide by the ban will face penalties.

Further international spread of COVID-19 is expected in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is a "very grave threat."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Individuals traveling via BAH are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home government. 

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue - throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
• If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
• Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments

In the case that symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness emerge either during or after travel, individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider. Travelers returning from China who develop symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid potential spread of the disease.