NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has announced that the country remains on high alert over the resurgence of deadly diseases in the region.
The Ministry of Health is now advocating for heightened surveillance across all border posts to reduce infections spreading into the country.
“Travellers who are travelling from countries where these diseases have been confirmed and present themselves with symptoms of Marburg, including fever, headache, and loss of appetite; aching muscles or joints; stomach pains; difficulty in breathing; diarrhoea, along with their identified contacts,” said Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
The announcement comes amid three new cases of MPOX that have been reported in the country, bringing the total cases reported so far to 41.
Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), PS Muthoni said there were enhanced procedures at all the country’s entry points, especially with the resurgence of Marburg and Ebola, which are spreading in the neighbouring countries.
“All travellers again shall observe routine and hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and use of alcohol-based sanitiser,” explained PS Muthoni.
Who accompanied PS Mary Muthoni
PS Muthoni was accompanied by, among others, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Sbdourahmane Diallo and IOM Chief Migration Officer Mukunda Singh Basnet.
The PS disclosed that all entry points have now been beefed up with the necessary tools to facilitate screening, with key measures put in place to swiftly deal with suspected cases.
Strengthening Border Surveillance Against Mpox, Marburg & Ebola Today, together with WHO Country Representative Dr. Abdiramane Diallo and IOM Chief Migration Officer Basnet Mukunda we visited JKIA to engage the Border Management Committee on strengthening disease surveillance…
So far, over 3 million travellers coming into the country have been screened, with 419 suspected cases taken for further analysis.
“Should you detect anybody with such symptoms, it is important to guide them to check into a health facility or call our hotline number, which is 719. Let us continue working together to combat any form of disease that is a threat to our country,” added PS Muthoni.
What has been the role of WHO and IOM
WHO has been crucial in capacity building, more so for medical officers manning the entry points.
“This is a perfect opportunity to reiterate WHO’s commitment to support Kenya in terms of strengthening its emergency preparedness and response capabilities,” said Diallo.
Diallo insisted that WHO will continue supporting the Ministry of Health in training both the health management officers in developing and updating emergency preparedness and response plans, including all the components.
Basnet said IOM will also continue collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other partners to minimise the risks and provide the necessary measures so that the safety of Kenyans remains as it is.
“So, we thank the Ministry of Health and our partners like WHO for continuously contributing to minimising the risk of the spread of these deadly diseases,” Basnet said.
Meanwhile, PS Muthoni urged the hotel fraternity to ensure that the materials they use, such as bedding and clothing, meet the required hygienic standards.
“Healthcare providers and family members who come into contact with the affected persons must be able to use protective equipment, particularly at this time when we are trying to contain MPOX and other emerging issues,” she added.
