AN unidentified virus has been spiraling out of control in the Eastern Province for a week now, causing symptoms of high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Many people of Dammam, Jubail, Al-Ne'airiah, Milaijah and other cities in the region have been reported as attacked by an unknown virus. But the hospitals only prescribed medicine and dehydration solutions without taking any medical exams to check on the identity on the virus to combat it, some patients said. A medical source said the virus can attack the body through air, water, and food with an anticipated period of recovery of up to 5 days. Saad Saud Al-Wessaighir, director of Al-Ne'airiah Hospital, said the emergency room of the hospital received 380 patients last Friday and none among them was suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. But the number of patients with chickenpox, locally known as ‘Angaz,' doesn't exceed two in a big day. The hospital had only one case of hepatitis recently, he said. Awadh Al-Shihri, Director of Jubail General Hospital, played it down saying even if the virus that some are complaining about is out there, it has not spread widely, and it would be controlled. – Okaz __
