The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) alert to Kenya’s Ministry of Health following the report of 11 deaths in Rwanda. Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa confirmed the alert on Friday but clarified that no cases of Marburg have been reported in Kenya so far.
“The Ministry of Health has received an alert from WHO on Marburg Virus Disease (MVD). Currently, we have no Marburg cases reported in the country,” CS Barasa stated.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and assured that the government has heightened surveillance at the borders to prevent the entry of the deadly virus. Marburg, a highly infectious disease originating from West Africa, typically manifests with symptoms 8 to 9 days after infection and can lead to death.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, difficulty swallowing, and bleeding from various body openings. In fatal cases, severe bleeding is often observed, with fresh blood seen in vomit and feces, as well as bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina.
To prevent the spread of the virus, CS Barasa advised citizens to avoid close contact with confirmed or symptomatic individuals, wash hands frequently, or use hand sanitizers, and refrain from sharing personal items.
The current Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, reported since September 27, 2024, has claimed 11 lives, with 29 confirmed cases. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that most of the cases involve healthcare workers, and over 290 contacts have been traced.
