NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kenya has moved to allay fears of a potential outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country, despite a recent surge in cases reported in China.
This surge has sparked concerns about a potential global pandemic similar to COVID-19.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV is capable of causing upper and lower respiratory diseases in individuals of all ages, with young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems being particularly vulnerable.
HMPV transmission occurs through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, close personal contact such as shaking hands, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and subsequently touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
The symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In some cases, the infection can progress to more severe conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, presenting symptoms similar to other respiratory viruses.
The CDC notes that the estimated incubation period for HMPV ranges from 3 to 6 days, with the duration of illness varying based on severity.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health reassured the public that HMPV is not a new virus.
The ministry highlighted that HMPV has been a known contributor to respiratory illnesses in Kenya for some time.
“The national public health surveillance system is on high alert, and we are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities,” the MoH stated.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to basic public health practices.
“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans. We request members of the public to remain vigilant, continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative.”
Furthermore, the MoH urged Kenyans to report any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness to the nearest medical facility for timely intervention.
This surge has sparked concerns about a potential global pandemic similar to COVID-19.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV is capable of causing upper and lower respiratory diseases in individuals of all ages, with young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems being particularly vulnerable.
HMPV transmission occurs through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, close personal contact such as shaking hands, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and subsequently touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
The symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In some cases, the infection can progress to more severe conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, presenting symptoms similar to other respiratory viruses.
The CDC notes that the estimated incubation period for HMPV ranges from 3 to 6 days, with the duration of illness varying based on severity.
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health reassured the public that HMPV is not a new virus.
The ministry highlighted that HMPV has been a known contributor to respiratory illnesses in Kenya for some time.
“The national public health surveillance system is on high alert, and we are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities,” the MoH stated.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to basic public health practices.
“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans. We request members of the public to remain vigilant, continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative.”
Furthermore, the MoH urged Kenyans to report any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness to the nearest medical facility for timely intervention.
