The Ministry of Health has issued an alert following the notification of an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Rwanda.
The highly contagious viral hemorrhagic fever is known for its severe symptoms and high mortality rate, with case fatality rates reaching up to 88%.
Although no cases of Marburg Virus Disease have been reported in Kenya, authorities are taking proactive measures due to the country’s close connectivity with Rwanda.
Kenya maintains strong air and road links with Rwanda, with daily flights and regular road travel and trade routes between the two nations.
In response to the potential threat, the Ministry of Health is ramping up surveillance efforts across all counties and at key Points of Entry into the country.
This move aims to prevent the importation and transmission of the virus within Kenya's borders.
"The Ministry is instituting urgent measures to forestall the importation of cases and subsequent transmission across the country," the ministry said.
Enhanced monitoring protocols will be implemented at airports, border crossings, and other critical points to detect any potential cases.
Marburg Virus Disease is often fatal and highly transmissible, capable of spreading quickly through human contact.
The virus, which belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus, causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases, death.
The Ministry of Health is urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any symptoms resembling those of the virus. The Ministry continues to work closely with international health organizations and neighboring countries to coordinate its response and ensure that any outbreak risk is mitigated effectively.