Gov’t Issues Alert Over Fatal Disease Outbreak

The Ministry of Health has announced that it is on high alert following an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Rwanda.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 8, Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa disclosed that MVD is an acute, severe viral bleeding fever that is often fatal.

According to Barasa, Marburg Virus Disease has been reported to have a fatality rate of up to 88 percent.

The CS noted that even though no cases have been reported in the country, the disease is highly transmissible and can spread rapidly within a short period of time.

“Kenya shares strong air and road connections with Rwanda, with daily flights and frequent road travel and trade routes. Given the foregoing, the Ministry is instituting urgent measures to forestall the importation of cases and subsequent transmission across the country,” Barasa remarked.

Symptoms

The symptoms of MVD include an abrupt onset of high fever, severe headache, severe body weakness, and muscle aches and pains.

Other symptoms are severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and cramping, nausea and vomiting.

According to the ministry, bleeding from multiple areas 5-7 days after the onset of fever, such as fresh blood in vomitus and nose, is often accompanied by bleeding from body openings such as the nose and gums.

Transmission

The disease is transmitted through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people and with surfaces and materials such as bedding, and clothing that are contaminated with the fluids.

Healthcare workers can also be infected with the disease while giving care to the infected patients.

"Health-care workers or caregivers can be infected while treating infected patients. Burial ceremonies that involve direct contact with the body of the deceased can also contribute to the transmission of Marburg Virus Disease," the Ministry of Health stated.

The disease can also be transmitted through contact with infected animals.

Diagnosis and treatment

Marburg Virus Disease is diagnosed through laboratory confirmation in highly specialized laboratories.

However, treatment is mainly supportive to manage symptoms, as there are currently no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved for the disease.

Advisory

The Ministry of Health urged Kenyans to avoid close contact with the infected individuals or suspected cases and seek immediate medical attention for Marburg-like symptoms.

It also advised the public to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, utensils, or clothing and wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

Healthcare workers were advised to wear protective gear when caring for patients with the disease.

"The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual fever and bleeding symptoms, especially among persons with recent travel to affected areas. For any inquiries, call the following numbers: 0729471414, 0732353535, or 719," the ministry explained.