After Tanzania confirms the Marburg infection, Kenya is on alert

Following confirmation of an epidemic of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in the northwest Kagera area by neighboring Tanzania, Kenya is on high alert, according to a health official on Tuesday, January 21.

Mary Muthoni, principal secretary for public health and professional standards in the Ministry of Health, said in a statement released in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, that although there have been no cases reported in Kenya, the country is still at high risk because of the large cross-border movements from Tanzania and other nearby countries.

“The Ministry of Health is still dedicated to ensuring everyone in Kenya is safe and healthy. As a result, a Marburg virus illness preparedness and response strategy is being developed nationwide to improve readiness,” she stated.

Following Monday’s confirmation of the Marburg virus epidemic in Tanzania’s Kagera region—where one positive case was found during investigations into suspected infections—the announcement was released.

According to Tanzania, as of Monday, 25 suspected cases have been discovered. They are all being closely monitored at the moment after testing negative.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Tanzania earlier recorded its first MVD epidemic in March 2023 in the Kagera district, totaling nine cases and six fatalities.

Muthoni stated that in order to stop the spread of the deadly illness, monitoring has been improved nationwide in every county and at every port of entry.

“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,” Muthoni stated.

According to the WHO, the Marburg virus is communicated by fruit bats and humans through direct contact with infected people’s body fluids, surfaces, and objects.

Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda are among the African countries where outbreaks and isolated cases have previously been documented.