About Us
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About The Scientific Chair of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hussien Alamoudi for Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (Alkhumra Virus):
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It is a Scientific Research Chair sponsored by Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hussien Alamoudi; at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, commenced in Ramadan 1429 H. This chair deals with research on the recently discovered viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF), which is caused by a virus known as Al-Khumra virus.
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| What is Al-Khumra Virus (ALKV) ? |
| It is a highly dangerous virus that belongs to the Genus Flavivirus; Family: Flaviviridae |
| It causes a severe peracute haemorrhagic fever in humans. The disease is manifested by hepatitis, encephalitis, bleeding from the gums, rectum, bloody vomition, melena, subcutaneous haemorrhages and haematuria. The case facility rate reached 25%. |
| ALKV was isolated for the first time in 1995, at Al-Khumra district, south of Jeddah. To the best of our knowledge, it has not so far been isolated from any other place outside Saudi Arabia. Preliminary studies indicated that the virus is most probably transmitted to humans through contact with animals and/or by ticks or mosquito bites. |
| There is no vaccine available so far to protect humans from infection with the virus.As this virus is transmitted from animals to humans, it was necessary to seek collaboration between the chair and the relevant bodies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Municipality, The Commission for Wildlife Conservation and The Islamic Bank for Utilization of Sacrificed animals during “Al-Hajj” season. |
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Last Update
6/7/2011 11:26:06 AM
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