The Kenya National Public Health Institute urges all counties to remain vigilant and strengthen preparedness and response measures to prevent the introduction and spread of Marburg virus disease (MVD) to Kenya.
This follows confirmation of an outbreak in Jinka, the South Ethiopia region, the first of its kind in the country, after laboratory testing of samples from a cluster of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever.
Among the recommended immediate public health preparedness measures include enhanced surveillance, case management preparedness, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE).
Individuals and communities are encouraged to practice regular hand hygiene and safe food handling, avoid contact with infectious fluids and observe safe burial practices.
By sustaining these measures and fostering ongoing collaboration, Kenya aims to mitigate the risk of Marburg virus spread and safeguard public health effectively.
Marburg virus, is in the same family of viruses that cause Ebola virus disease.
It is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus. The disease is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads among people through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.
MVD begins abruptly, with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. Muscle aches and pains are a common feature.
Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting can begin on the third day.
Non-itchy rash have been reported in patients between two and seven days after onset of symptoms.
