Kenya tightens health checks as Tanzania confirms Marburg outbreak
According to WHO, Marburg virus is similar to Ebola and is usually transmitted to people from fruit bats and monkeys and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people.
Health authorities in Kenya are on high alert following the outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in neighbouring Tanzania.
On Monday, Tanzania confirmed one case of the viral disease and a total of 25 suspected cases in the country's northwestern Kagera region. All of them have tested negative and are currently under close monitoring, health officials noted.
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According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, while Kenya has no reported cases, the country remains at high risk due to cross-border movements from Tanzania and other neighbouring nations.
"The Ministry of Health remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans. Consequently, preparedness is being enhanced in the country through the development of a Marburg virus disease preparedness and response plan," said Mary Muthoni, principal secretary for public health and professional standards in the Ministry of Health.
In light of the risk posed by the latest outbreak Africa CDC said it is mobilizing support to help Tanzania contain the spread. "To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management," said Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya.
“We are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya added.
In March 2023, Tanzania reported the outbreak of Marbug disease in Bukoba District of Kagera Region, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths statistics from Africa CDC show.
"We strongly advise the general public to follow public health measures and seek medical attention at the nearest public health facility if you experience any Marburg virus disease-like symptoms," PS Muthoni said.
According to WHO, Marburg virus is similar to Ebola and is usually transmitted to people from fruit bats and monkeys and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people.
Previously, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda have reported the occurence of Marbug disease at different times.
