The government, through the Ministry of Health, has outlined measures to curb the spread of the Marburg virus after the cases was reported in the neighboring country, Tanzania.
During a press conference held on Thursday, January 23, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni detailed the steps the government has taken to prevent the virus from reaching Kenya.
She noted that Kenya is classified as being at high risk for a Marburg disease outbreak, particularly due to its proximity to Kagera region in Tanzania that has been identified as the hub.
“I would like to assure you that the Ministry is on high alert, and surveillance has been enhanced at all points of entry in Kenya,” Muthoni stated.
Govt highlights measures to curb Marburg virus
As one of the measures to curb the virus, PS Muthoni highlighted that the Ministry of Health issued a press release on January 21, 2025, informing the public about the outbreak and providing an advisory to counties on the matter.
Additionally, she stated that a readiness assessment is currently underway at the national level and in high-risk counties, in collaboration with the Council of Governors.
Also Read: Govt Issues Another Advisory on Marburg Outbreak
Furthermore, she stated that the Ministry is working with various government agencies, partners, and stakeholders to develop a robust national emergency preparedness and response plan to address the threat of the Marburg virus effectively.
Moreover, the PS urged citizens to actively participate in the response plan alongside the government.
Tanzania reports case of the virus
She emphasized that everyone has a role to play, stating that collective effort is crucial to ensuring the country is adequately prepared to respond to any outbreak if such a situation arises.
“Each end every one of you will be expected to ensure we do not leave gaps as we move forward, and this will ensure that as a country we are adequately prepared to respond to any outbreak in the event such a situation arises,” PS Muthoni stated.
On January 20, 2025, Tanzania reported an outbreak of the Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the Kagera region.
Also Read: Ministry of Health Issues Alert on Marburg Disease
The outbreak was officially confirmed by Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan with one case testing positive for the virus.
The Marburg virus is a highly virulent pathogen that causes Marburg virus disease (MVD), a severe hemorrhagic fever likened to Ebola.
About Marburg Virus
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans from fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials.
Symptoms of the virus include fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain.
As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe hemorrhaging, organ failure, and shock.
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