By BRIAN MUSYOKA
Kenya has heightened surveillance and preparedness measures following a reported outbreak of the rare Andes strain of Hantavirus linked to a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Health authorities have confirmed that no case has been detected locally, but the government has intensified monitoring at airports, seaports and border entry points to prevent possible importation of the disease.
The Ministry of Health says the move is aimed at ensuring early detection and rapid response in the event of any suspected case entering the country. Surveillance officers and emergency response teams have already been placed on alert across the country.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki said Kenya is focusing on long-term prevention measures instead of waiting to react during health crises.
Speaking in Siakago Mbeere North, the PS emphasized the importance of strengthening disease surveillance systems to detect zoonotic diseases early, especially those associated with rodents and environmental changes caused by climate change.
She noted that climate change has continued to increase the risk of emerging infectious diseases globally, making it necessary for countries to invest heavily in preparedness and prevention systems.
Mary Muthoni said Community Health Promoters will play a critical role in grassroots sensitization, disease surveillance and public awareness campaigns aimed at educating wananchi on preventive measures against infectious diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, eight cases, including three deaths, have so far been reported aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius operating in the Atlantic Ocean.
Preliminary investigations by international health authorities indicate that the infections are linked to the Andes strain of Hantavirus, a rare but dangerous variant that is capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
Health experts say Hantavirus infections are commonly spread through contact with infected rodents, particularly through inhalation of contaminated particles from rodent urine, droppings or saliva.
The Ministry of Health says Kenya’s digital disease surveillance systems and laboratory networks have been placed on high alert to enhance rapid detection and reporting of any unusual illnesses across counties.
County governments have also been directed to strengthen infection prevention and control measures in health facilities and intensify public sensitization campaigns to keep citizens informed.
The PS urged Kenyans not to panic, maintaining that the country has not recorded any confirmed case of the virus, but added that preparedness remains critical due to increased global travel and cross-border interactions.
On matters concerning the Social Health Authority (SHA), Mary Muthoni called on members of the public to ignore leaders criticizing the health insurance programme, saying some of the same leaders condemning the initiative are already benefiting from medical insurance services.
She urged wananchi to continue registering for SHA in order to benefit effectively from affordable healthcare services, noting that the government remains committed to strengthening universal health coverage across the country.
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