Kenya heightened its surveillance following the confirmation of a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) case in Kagera, northwestern Tanzania, on January 20, 2025.
According to Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General (DG), Ministry of Health, while no cases have been reported in Kenya, the government has put in place the necessary surveillance measures as he emphasized the country’s high risk due to significant cross-border movement.
“We must remain vigilant and prepared,” Amoth said, “while highlighting the potential for transmission across borders.
Tanzania reported that a total of 25 suspected cases has been identified as of Monday. All of them have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up.
Tanzania previously reported an MVD outbreak in March 2023, the country’s first, in the Kagera region, during which a total of nine cases and six deaths were reported, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to MoH, Kenya has developed a comprehensive preparedness measure, including the development of a Marburg Virus Disease Preparedness and Response Plan, enhanced surveillance at all counties and points of entry, and a readiness assessment to evaluate the country’s response capacity, Amoth assured the country.
Transmission and Risks
According to DG, Marburg virus, is a highly contagious pathogen which spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or deceased victims. The virus can also transmit from fruit bats to humans, particularly in caves or mines. Healthcare workers and caregivers face significant risk if personal protective equipment (PPE) is not used.
“Healthcare workers are on the front lines and must adhere to stringent safety protocols,” Amoth said,
The DG emphasized on the importance of PPE to reduce transmission risks.
Signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms of MVD include high fever, chills, severe headache, extreme fatigue, and muscle aches. As the disease progresses, severe symptoms such as nausea, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea (which may contain blood), and bleeding from body orifices can occur.
“Immediate medical attention is critical for individuals displaying symptoms,” DG advised. Isolation and early treatment have been shown to improve survival rates and curb further transmission.
Safety Measures and Public Guidance
The Ministry has issued clear directives to healthcare practitioners and families to avoid treating suspected MVD patients at home. “Safe handling of patients and the deceased is crucial in preventing further infections,” the statement read.
The MoH also underscored the importance of safe and dignified burials. “Avoid touching, washing, or kissing the bodies of MVD victims. Allow burial teams to handle the deceased safely,” the Ministry urged. Families are encouraged to permit testing and follow guidance from trained teams.
Community Monitoring and Collaboration
Contacts of MVD patients will be monitored for 21 days to ensure early detection and care. Public health authorities have called on communities to cooperate with monitoring efforts.
“Members of the public should seek credible information, report symptoms promptly, and adhere to prevention guidelines to safeguard individual and community health,” said Dr. Amoth.
The Kenyan government is also collaborating with regional and international partners to monitor and respond effectively to the outbreak.
The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials, according to the WHO.
In Africa, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
