Kenya on high alert following Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Rwanda
Disease-medication concept. Courtesy photo
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual fever and bleeding symptoms, especially among persons who have recently travelled to affected areas, after an outbreak of the deadly Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) was reported in Rwanda on Tuesday.
Ministry of Health said that although no cases have been reported in Kenya, the government is taking urgent measures to prevent the potential importation of cases and subsequent transmission across the country.
MVD is an acute, severe viral haemorrhagic (bleeding) fever, often resulting in fatalities with reported case fatality rates of up to 88 percent.
It is highly transmissible, and cases can spread rapidly within a short period.
“Kenya shares strong air and road connections with Rwanda, with daily flights and frequent road travel and trade routes. Surveillance has been enhanced in all counties and at all Points of Entry (PoEs),” said Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, in a statement.
Immediate symptoms of MVD include abrupt onset high fever, severe headache, severe body weakness, muscle aches and pains, severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting.
Dr Barasa highlighted that bleeding, often from multiple areas is usually reported between the first five(5) to seven(7) days after the onset of fever, such as fresh blood in vomitus and stool, often accompanied by bleeding from body openings such as the nose, gums, and genitals.
“Transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, as well as with surfaces and materials like bedding, and clothing contaminated with these fluids,” she said, adding that health care workers or caregivers can be infected while treating infected patients.
Burial ceremonies involving direct contact with the body of a deceased person can also contribute to the transmission of MVD.
Additionally,contact with infected animals, especially fruit bats, can also lead to the spread of the disease.
Diagnosis of MVD is done through laboratory confirmation in highly specialised laboratories.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for MVD. Treatment mainly focuses on providing supportive care to manage symptoms.
To prevent the spread of the viral disease, the public is advised to take several measures, including avoiding close contact with infected individuals or suspected cases, seeking immediate medical attention for Marburg-like symptoms, and refraining from sharing personal items such as towels, utensils or clothing.
Both the public and healthcare workers are advised to wear protective gear when caring for someone with MVD, wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitiser, take extra precautions when travelling to affected areas, and stay informed about health advisories for their travel destinations.
“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that Kenyans areinformed and protected from potential health threats. Updates will be provided asmore information on the situation is received,” Dr Barasa reiterated.
