Online epidemiologic investigation platform launches in Bahrain

An online platform has been launched for healthcare professionals in Bahrain to submit information related to infectious diseases.

The epidemiologic investigation platform aims to help strengthen the monitoring of infectious diseases in the country and take effective measures to prevent and control their spread.

"The new platform allows healthcare professionals to report infectious diseases quickly and easily, as well as connects government and private health facilities with the Public Health Directorate (PHD) about infectious diseases that are detected at these facilities," said PHD director Dr Mohammed Al Awadhi.

He added that some 80 health facilities — including clinics and hospitals — have been trained and provided with special electronic login keys to easily report any infectious disease.

According to the Health Ministry's guideline for communicable diseases surveillance and control, healthcare professionals have to report Group A diseases within 24 hours. These include measles, tetanus, Aids, HIV, cholera, typhoid fever, and rabies, among other diseases.

Diseases listed under Group B and Group C to be reported within one week include scabies, chickenpox, malaria, syphilis, and influenza, among others.

Finally, Group D is meant for zoonotic diseases — often known as zoonoses — which include infections that may be passed from infected animals to people, such as rabies, Lyme disease, and COVID-19. These illnesses are often caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi when people touch afflicted animals or their habitats.

Earlier, the ministry launched the healthalert.gov.bh platform for the latest health updates and developments within Bahrain.

The website provided key information and updates during COVID-19, in addition to national efforts aimed at promoting public health across Bahrain.