The Ministry of Health and Social Action (MSAS) of Senegal revealed, through a press release, that 147 positive cases of Covid-19 were detected among pilgrims returning from the Holy Places of Islam. This figure emerges from tests carried out at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) between June 21 and 27, 2024 on a total of 590 pilgrims.
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Action, “the results of confirmatory examinations show that all positive cases are attributed to different strains of the Omicron variant, already present and circulating in Senegal for several months. The National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Respiratory Viruses, responsible for regular genomic surveillance of Covid-19, has confirmed that the majority of these strains are already known and included in their database. »
The MSAS assures that the Omicron variants identified so far do not indicate any particular clinical severity. Indeed, infections caused by these variants are mainly mild, and no serious cases have been recorded or treated in the country’s health structures.
“To guarantee public health, a special system has been put in place at the AIBD to strengthen health control at air borders until June 30, 2024, the date of the last return flight of pilgrims,” the press release said.
“The pilgrims who tested positive were notified of their result and are receiving an appropriate therapeutic prescription. They are also subject to health monitoring in their localities of residence thanks to individual screening forms,” the source added.
The MSAS also announced that routine epidemiological surveillance will be maintained at the airport and throughout the territory after the return phase of the pilgrimage, in line with the national health policy. In order to prevent a possible epidemic, the technical services of the ministry have been instructed to strengthen epidemiological surveillance extended to all respiratory infections, in addition to Covid-19.
Finally, the MSAS calls on the population to be vigilant and calm, stressing the importance of continuing to follow preventive measures and staying informed of health developments.
Rts
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