NAIROBI, March 23 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Ministry of Health has activated border surveillance and response mechanisms after Tanzania confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease.
The Ministry has also directed all County Health Officials to be vigilant to identify and isolate any suspect cases for proper and timely management.
Acting Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth has urged the public to be on high alert and report any unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility.
“The Ministry wishes to inform the general public to be on high alert and report any unusual increase in individuals presenting with high fever (hotness of the body) of unknown cause, and especially those with history of travel to Tanzania,” said Dr Amoth.
He said Health officials in Tanzania have confirmed eight cases and five deaths in Bukoba, Kagera province in the North Western part and South Western shores of Lake Victoria.
“The patients had presented with symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding through various body openings,” he said
Dr Amoth pointed out several symptoms including severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting as well severe bleeding in the first 5 to 7 days of contracting the disease.
“There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine approved for Marburg Virus Disease treatment. However, supportive care, rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids and treatment of specific symptoms improves survival,” Dr Amoth noted. — NNN-KBC
