“Health” clarifies the facts of 5 common myths about the “Ebola” virus and confirms the state’s readiness

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection launched an awareness campaign to correct misconceptions about the Ebola virus, calling for obtaining accurate information and updates, by following only official health authorities and reliable sources, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect public health and ensure the accuracy of circulating information.
Through its digital platforms, the Ministry reviewed 5 common myths about the Ebola virus that spread rapidly during public health events, refuting them with scientific facts and reports issued by the World Health Organization.

1. Myth: There are no preparedness or follow-up measures to confront the virus
Fact: The UAE continues to implement surveillance and preparedness procedures, and complete readiness in all of the country’s airports, health facilities, and laboratories, in addition to activating all follow-up measures and preventive precautions to ensure the safety of society.

2. Myth: Ebola outbreaks become a global pandemic
Fact: No Ebola outbreak has been classified as a global pandemic, and the World Health Organization continues to assess the level of global public health risk associated with the current outbreak as “low.”

3. Myth: An infected person can transmit the infection before symptoms appear
Fact: People infected with Ebola virus are not usually contagious before symptoms appear.

4. Myth: Anyone who travels internationally is at high risk of contracting the virus
Fact: The Ebola virus is not transmitted through normal contact or through the air, and infection usually occurs as a result of direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or contaminated materials, which makes the risk level for most travelers low.

5. Myth: The Ebola virus is transmitted through the air, like Covid-19
Fact: The Ebola virus is not transmitted through the air, but rather is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection stressed that inaccurate information may spread quickly during health crises, calling on the public to be accurate, and to follow updates through official health authorities and reliable sources only, to ensure making informed decisions that support the protection of society.