A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Montasir Mohamed Osman, Director of the General Directorate of Emergency and Epidemic Control, conducted an inspection visit on Sunday to Port Sudan International Airport.
The visit aimed to review technical and precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of Marburg virus disease (MVD), especially as flights arrive from countries experiencing outbreaks—most notably Ethiopia—and to enhance coordination and preparedness.
According to the Sudan News Agency, the delegation—which included officials from national and Red Sea quarantine departments and the International Health Regulations (IHR) unit—held an important meeting with airport health and safety officer Moussa Jibril. The discussion focused on strengthening coordination between the health directorate and airport administration to effectively respond to Marburg and other airborne diseases.
Dr. Montasir listened to staff observations and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to addressing any shortcomings immediately to ensure maximum readiness. A dual-layer detection and screening mechanism has been established, with two specialized medical teams operating in a coordinated sequence. A dedicated hall has also been set up for Marburg-protocol procedures, including passenger form review and health screening.
Marburg has a high fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88%. Symptoms appear suddenly and include severe fever, headache, and, in advanced cases, hemorrhaging. Ethiopia announced its first outbreak in November 2025, recording 12 confirmed cases and seven deaths as of November 26.
