Kenya has revealed its preparations for the deadly Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) after neighboring Rwanda reported an outbreak with 26 cases and 8 deaths recorded so far.
Following this report, Kenya has revealed that it has prepared specialised laboratories across the country to combat a potential outbreak should it occur.
Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Director General, Prof. Elijahspecialized Songok revealed the facilities will be used to test samples quickly and effectively, to bolster the country’s response efforts and readiness against the disease.
“In partnership with the World Health Organization & regional partners, we are supporting enhanced surveillance, testing, & readiness efforts across EA.”
“Together with the Ministry of Health, we’ve intensified public health surveillance, sample testing, & community engagement to prevent the spread of the virus,” KEMRI revealed.
KEMRI announces Marburg Virus preparedness, October 4, 2024.
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KEMRI
So far, there have been no case of Marburg virus reported in Kenya. However, based on the developments in Rwanda, the Ministry of Health has put out all stops to ensure that Kenya is adequately prepared to handle the situation and protect Kenyans.
“KEMRI is ramping up its role in the regional response to Marburg Virus, following confirmation of 26 cases & 8 fatalities in Rwanda, with healthcare workers comprising over 70% of those affected,” KEMRI added on its official X page.
The Marburg virus is a rare but deadly virus that causes severe illness in humans, similar to the Ebola virus. The disease, known as Marburg virus disease (MVD), has a high fatality rate.
People can get the Marburg virus through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals, or through contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms appear within a few days to two weeks and start with fever, headache, and muscle aches, quickly progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding.
There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease, so care focuses on supportive measures like providing fluids and oxygen.
The first reported case of the Marburg virus in Kenya was in 1980. The outbreak happened near Kitum Cave on Mount Elgon in western Kenya. A French tourist who visited the cave became ill and subsequently died from the virus.
The Marburg virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade, Serbia. The virus and the disease it causes, Marburg virus disease, were named after the city of Marburg, where it was first reported.
An image of medics engaging in Ebola screening in DRC in April 2022.
World Health Organisation
