Synopsis
Kenya is on high alert following Tanzania's confirmation of a Marburg virus outbreak in the Kagera region. Despite no reported cases in Kenya, officials stress the importance of preparedness and public health measures as surveillance intensifies across the country.Key Takeaways
- Kenya heightened alert due to Marburg outbreak in Tanzania.
- Preparedness plans are being developed by the Ministry of Health.
- No reported Marburg cases in Kenya yet.
- Public health measures are emphasized for safety.
- Surveillance is intensified at borders and across all counties.
Nairobi, Jan 22 (NationPress) Kenya is currently on high alert following the confirmation of an outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the northwestern Kagera region of neighboring Tanzania, according to a health official.
Although Kenya has not reported any cases, the country is considered to be at high risk due to the significant movement of people across borders with Tanzania and other adjacent nations, stated Mary Muthoni, principal secretary for public health and professional standards in the Ministry of Health, in a statement released in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday.
"The Ministry of Health is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Kenyans. As a result, we are enhancing our preparedness through the formulation of a comprehensive Marburg virus disease preparedness and response plan," she remarked.
This announcement was made after the emergence of the Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania's Kagera region was confirmed on Monday, with one positive case identified amid investigations into suspected infections, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Tanzania has indicated that there are 25 suspected cases as of Monday, all of which have returned negative results and are currently being monitored closely.
Previously, Tanzania experienced its first MVD outbreak in March 2023 in the Kagera region, which resulted in a total of nine cases and six fatalities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Muthoni noted that surveillance efforts have been intensified nationwide in all counties and at all entry points to prevent the spread of this severe disease, which has a high fatality rate.
"We strongly urge the public to adhere to public health guidelines and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if they exhibit any symptoms indicative of Marburg virus disease," Muthoni advised.
The Marburg virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats and can spread among people through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials, according to the WHO.
In Africa, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been documented in countries including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.
