The Ministry of Health has assured Kenyans that the country is not experiencing any alarming rise in respiratory illnesses following reports of an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
MoH authorities say that they are closely monitoring the situation and have activated heightened public health surveillance systems.
The Ministry made the announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing that there is currently no evidence of a spike in respiratory disease cases locally. This comes amid concerns over the spread of HMPV, a flu-like virus known to cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
“Our national public health surveillance system is on high alert, and we are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement.
HMPV, which was first discovered in 2001, belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, alongside the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It primarily affects young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of HMPV infection include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
The virus is transmitted through respiratory secretions such as coughing or sneezing, close personal contact, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
While Kenya has not recorded any unusual cases, the Ministry urged the public to remain cautious and adhere to preventive health practices.
“We request members of the public to remain vigilant, continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative,” the Ministry said.
The government also encouraged individuals experiencing severe respiratory symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
“Any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness are advised to seek medical assistance from the nearest health facility as soon as possible,” the statement read.
For further information or to report concerns, citizens are encouraged to call the Ministry’s hotline at 719.
