Kenya Enhances Marburg Virus Preparedness with Specialized Labs

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has announced the activation of specialized laboratories nationwide to enhance Kenya's preparedness against Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) following a confirmed outbreak in Rwanda.

Speaking at the KEMRI Mtwapa Research Facility in Kilifi on Thursday, KEMRI Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, emphasized the importance of these labs in swiftly and effectively testing samples to bolster the country’s ability to respond to potential MVD cases.

On September 27, the Rwandan Ministry of Health reported the first-ever confirmed cases of MVD in the country. By October 2, Rwanda had recorded 36 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 11 fatalities. Notably, 19 of those infected are healthcare workers, with most serving in intensive care units, raising significant concerns across the region.

"We are actively supporting efforts to control the Marburg Virus Disease outbreak in Rwanda. With 36 confirmed cases and 11 deaths, over 70% of the affected individuals are healthcare workers, highlighting the severity of the situation," Prof. Songok stated.

Marburg Virus Disease is a highly fatal viral hemorrhagic fever caused by two zoonotic viruses, the Marburg virus and the Ravn virus. Zoonotic diseases are infections that are transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa. Other examples of zoonotic diseases include Ebola, Salmonella and many others. Similar to Ebola, MVD has no approved treatment or vaccine, making it a critical public health threat.

Symptoms of MVD include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, rash, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Prof. Songok urged the public to stay vigilant, report any symptoms and adhere to preventive measures. He also assured that KEMRI is collaborating with global partners to contain the virus and protect public health.

The Marburg virus spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person, such as blood, urine, saliva or sweat, or with the fluids of someone who has recently died from the infection.

In coordination with Kenya's Ministry of Health, KEMRI has enhanced public health surveillance, sample testing and community engagement to prevent the virus from crossing into Kenya. The Director General also mentioned ongoing collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and regional partners to strengthen the response efforts across East Africa.

Kenya’s Health Cabinet Secretary, Deborah Barasa, confirmed that no cases of MVD have been reported in the country. "We have received an alert from WHO on Marburg Virus Disease, but currently, there are no cases in Kenya," Barasa said in a press statement issued on Friday.

Source: Capital News

Related:

Rwanda Declares Marburg Virus Outbreak With 8 Deaths

Uganda Strengthens Defenses Against Marburg Virus Threat From Rwanda

Published: October 9, 2024

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