With the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak confirmed in Tanzania’s Kagera region, Kenya’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has escalated surveillance and response measures to mitigate the risk of imported cases. Given Kenya’s geographical proximity to the outbreak zone and high cross-border movement, authorities are on high alert to prevent potential transmission into the country.
During a weekly media briefing held on Wednesday 12th, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, outlined Kenya’s preparedness strategy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to early detection and rapid response.
Key Preparedness Measures
Kenya has activated its Marburg Contingency Plan, a framework designed to ensure a coordinated national response. Key interventions include:
- Enhanced screening at points of entry, particularly at land border crossings and international airports.
- Activation of a national laboratory network for prompt testing and diagnosis of suspected cases.
- Development of case management guidelines for healthcare providers to ensure standardized treatment and containment measures.
- Infection prevention and control (IPC) training for healthcare workers, equipping them with personal protective gear and resources to handle potential cases safely.
Recognizing the cross-border nature of the outbreak, Kenya is working closely with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to strengthen disease surveillance and technical response capabilities.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health, urged all counties to heighten vigilance, particularly those near the Tanzanian border, and emphasized the importance of strict adherence to infection prevention protocols in all healthcare facilities.
Marburg Virus Disease, a severe hemorrhagic fever related to Ebola, spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, bodily fluids, or contaminated surfaces. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, making early detection and containment critical to preventing an outbreak.
The Kenyan government remains proactive and prepared, ensuring continuous public health safety through multi-sector collaboration and sustained preventive measures. As efforts intensify, authorities are urging healthcare workers and the public to stay informed, report suspected cases immediately and follow recommended health guidelines.
