Kenya has placed its health authorities on high alert following three deaths linked to Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in neighbouring Ethiopia, the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) announced on Wednesday.
Marburg Virus Disease, formerly known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe viral infection affecting humans and non-human primates. It is caused by the Marburg or Ravn virus and presents symptoms similar to Ebola.
Although no cases have been reported in Kenya, the KNPHI warned that the country faces a heightened risk of importation due to significant cross-border movement with Ethiopia through airports and land borders.
“Given the high case fatality rate of MVD, counties are urged to strengthen measures to safeguard public health,” the institute said in an advisory. It further directed counties to train health workers on viral hemorrhagic fever case definitions and improve preparedness.
The KNPHI also urged authorities to reinforce surveillance at points of entry, health facilities, and within communities to ensure early detection and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
The alert follows Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health confirmation of the country’s first-ever MVD outbreak in Jinka, southern Ethiopia. Previous outbreaks have been recorded in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Marburg virus is highly infectious and carries a high fatality rate. Symptoms — including high fever and severe headache — typically develop within a week of exposure. The virus is from the same family as Ebola, according to the World Health Organisation.
