(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) With a fatality rate of up to 90 per cent in humans, Ebola deaths have now exceeded the 9,000 mark. But results from a recent study have highlighted the potential of several over-the-counter products which could help contain the current disease outbreak - and they cost as little as Dh20.
Tips for Haj pilgrims
During the annual Islamic pilgrimage of Haj, millions of Muslims descend on the holy city of Makkah in what is considered the largest annual gathering of people in the world. With this large concentration of people comes the risk of infection transmission. Whether exposure to a common cold or something more serious, Ashraf Allam, vice-president of MundiPharma for the Middle East and Africa region, recommends that those participating this year take the right precautionary measures in order to prevent the risk of infection.
"If possible, people should use these Povidone-iodine formulations, either orally or externally, before, during and after the pilgrimage."
The results of the study, which were released for the first time in the Middle East by Mundipharma during the opening day of the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference (DUPHAT), spotlight the success of Betadine formulations against the deadly infection.
Showing fast virucidal activity against the Ebola virus, they have proven to have a 99.99 per cent kill rate after a short application time of just 15 seconds.
"These range of products, including an antiseptic solution, skin cleanser and surgical scrub, offer the potential to have a huge public health impact," Dubai Health Authority's Pharmacy Department Director, Dr Ali Al Sayed Hussain, said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) cites hand hygiene as the most important infection prevention and control measure when it comes to tackling disease transmission, and the recently tested Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) containing formulations show an excellent virucidal efficacy as well as fast virucidal activity against the disease.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of Sunday's event, Dr Maren Eggers who is the virologist responsible for the investigation, said though the tests have proved successful, a solution to the epidemic doesn't just lie within a product.
"This research study is a positive step towards fighting Ebola but it's not just the product alone that can tackle this problem."
She said the fact this disease has become a widespread problem means it is difficult to quantify what impact the use of these formulations could have on decreasing the number of future Ebola cases.
"Ebola has now spread out to rural areas. It is no longer contained within a central town or city so we have to bring this product into the villages, jungles, which is difficult. Effective risk management strategies from ministries and governments is vital in preventing the spread of this disease."
Though no confirmed cases of Ebola have been linked to the Middle East as yet, Dr Eggers said this does not mean the issue should be swept under the carpet.
And vice-president of MundiPharma for the Middle East and Africa region Ashraf Allam agreed.
"Launching the product line here with the collaboration of the ministries means we are tackling the issue now rather than waiting for the problem to arise, then acting too late."
With 22,500 confirmed cases of the disease worldwide - primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone - Ebola causes severe internal and external bleeding, with healthcare workers, and family and friends of sufferers noted as the most 'at risk'.
Of the 822 confirmed cases in healthcare workers, 488 have proved fatal.
So, with no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine currently in the market for Ebola, the need to find a solution to the problem is imminent.
As well as this most recent study, which was conducted at the Marburg University in Germany, further testing on similar formulations were ongoing at the laboratory, she said.
"We have been testing various ammonium compounds and alcohol products against the Ebola virus. The ammonium compounds are very good at tackling surface infection, but for now, tests are still being carried out."
Mundipharma recently announced an initiative to support the control of Ebola, donating supplies of Betadine sufficient for more than two million hand washes in the Ebola treatment centres of West Africa.
"We are also providing lots of education in this region on Ebola and with the launch of this product, which costs between Dh20-50 depending on the type of formulation, it's well worth the investment," Allam said.
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