Kenya’s Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health advisory following the confirmation of a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in neighbouring Ethiopia. The alert comes after the Ethiopian Ministry of Health reported nine confirmed cases in Jinka Town, South Ethiopia Region, on November 14.
According to Kenya National Public Health Institute (NPHI) Director General Kamene Kimenye, Kenya’s close travel, migration, and trade links with Ethiopia increase the risk of cross-border transmission. She noted that enhanced preparedness is essential to protect communities and health systems.
Marburg virus, a member of the same family as the Ebola virus, is transmitted to humans through fruit bats and spreads between people via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. There is currently no approved treatment or vaccine for the disease.
Kamene added that African countries such as Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa have previously recorded outbreaks or sporadic cases, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance.
Advisory to County Governments
County governments have been directed to increase surveillance across health facilities, communities, and border points, including:
- Screening travellers
- Active case detection
- Immediate reporting of suspected cases through national surveillance systems
Counties are also urged to identify and activate isolation facilities, establish clear referral pathways, and equip all hospitals to safely manage suspected cases.
The Ministry emphasised strict implementation of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, including:
- Proper use of PPE
- Hand hygiene
- Safe waste disposal
- Environmental disinfection
Healthcare workers should be trained on case recognition, triage, supportive management, and safe referral procedures.
The advisory also calls on counties to prepare staff to collect, package, and transport specimens under strict biosafety protocols, working closely with the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) for rapid confirmation.
Additionally, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), local leaders, and trusted communication channels should be mobilised to spread accurate information about symptoms, prevention, and early reporting.
Advisory to the General Public
The Ministry is urging the public to take precautionary measures to reduce transmission risks, including:
- Avoiding direct contact with blood, vomit, urine, or other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed MVD patients
- Frequent handwashing, especially after contact with sick individuals or potentially contaminated objects
- Observing safe and dignified burial practices for individuals who may have died from MVD
Members of the public are also warned against handling or consuming bushmeat, especially bats and monkeys, which are known reservoirs of Marburg and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.