Cairo -- Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, confirmed that the ministry's agencies have detected an increase in influenza activity in Egypt, returning to 2019 infection rates. He noted an increase in seasonal influenza, specifically the H1N1 virus.

During a press conference held at the ministry headquarters in the New Administrative Capital regarding the epidemiological situation of respiratory diseases, the Minister reassured citizens, stating: "There are no new viruses. The existing viruses are respiratory viruses, and the Marburg virus is not present in Egypt. We expect an increase in infections, and all symptoms are mild and may last from four to six days."

He added: "We are addressing these rumors, and we have over 5,500 health facilities monitoring any outbreaks."

He further stated: "We are available at all times to respond to all rumors. We are conducting community awareness campaigns and continuing to combat misinformation. We also support and encourage vaccination."

He stated that there are strict quarantine procedures in place, and that they have advanced quarantine equipment and facilities. He added that they are responding very quickly, having dealt with 424 health-related incidents, 95% of which were rumors, and all were addressed.

He urged all citizens aged 5 and above to get the flu vaccine.