The Ministry of Health on October 9 issued an advisory following the outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda.
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa warned Kenyans to be cautious of the disease since Kenya and Rwanda are neighboring countries.
“Kenya shares strong air and road connections with Rwanda, with daily flights and frequent road travel and trade routes.
In view of the foregoing, the Ministry is instituting urgent measures to forestall importation of cases and subsequent transmission across the country.
Surveillance has been enhanced in all Counties and at all Points of Entry (PoEs),” said Dr Barasa.
The statement came after the Ministry issued a similar alert on October 4 the after it had received an alert from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the virus.
About Marburg disease
Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is an acute, severe viral haemorrhagic (bleeding) fever, and is often fatal. Case fatality rates of up to 88% have been reported.
Marburg Virus Disease is also highly transmissible, and cases can spread rapidly within a short period of time.
So far, no cases have been reported in the country.
Symptoms of the Virus Disease
According to the Health Ministry, the symptoms include an abrupt onset high fever, severe headache and severe body weakness.
Additionally, those infected may experience muscle aches and pains.
Moreover, an infected individual may encounter severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting.
Also Read: Ministry of Health Issues Alert on Marburg Disease
Furthermore, infected individuals may experience bleeding, often from multiple areas, typically reported 5-7 days after the onset of fever.
This may include fresh blood in vomit and feces and is often accompanied by bleeding from body openings such as the nose, gums, and vagina.
How the disease may be transmitted
The disease may be transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as with surfaces and materials (e.g., bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids.
Health-care workers or caregivers can be infected while treating infected patients.
Also Read: World Health Org: First West African case of deadly Marburg virus detected
At the same time, burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of Marburg Virus Disease.
The disease can also be transmitted when one gets in contact with infected animals, particularly fruit bats.
As such, the ministry of health advised the public to implement the following measures:
- Avoid close contact with the infected individuals or suspected cases
- Seek immediate medical attention for Marburg-like symptoms
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, utensils or clothing
- Wear protective gear when caring for someone with Marburg Virus Disease
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
- Take extra precautions if travelling to affected areas
- Check health advisories for your travel destination
- Stay informed about health updates
In addition, the Ministry urged the public to remain vigilant and report any unusual fever and bleeding symptoms, especially among persons with recent travel to affected areas.
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