Moscow (Agencies): Russia has implemented stricter health checks for individuals arriving from Egypt, following reports of an outbreak of an unidentified illness in the traditionally popular tourist destination. The Russian health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, announced the measures on Monday.
Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population reported around 250 cases of the illness in the Qena governorate, located in Upper Egypt. All patients exhibited mild to moderate symptoms, and none required hospitalization.
The disease does not appear to have a consistent pattern, although most affected individuals reportedly experienced symptoms such as fever, joint pains, and fatigue lasting between three to five days. The ministry did not provide a specific diagnosis but noted that the symptoms are common to various illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and gastroenteritis.
Rospotrebnadzor stated that it is collaborating with Egyptian authorities to assess the situation and suggested that the disease may be Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease commonly found in tropical regions. While Dengue typically causes mild illness, it can sometimes progress to more severe forms, such as hemorrhagic fever and shock.
Russian tourists planning to visit Egypt have been advised to take additional precautions. However, the health watchdog did not issue a travel advisory against visiting the country entirely.
“To prevent infectious and parasitic diseases transmitted by insects, it is necessary to take precautions, such as wearing clothing that covers the skin, using insect repellents and insecticides, and keeping doors and windows closed while indoors,” stated Rospotrebnadzor.