The government through the Ministry of Health on Thursday dismissed reports on the spread of a new Covid 19 variant, SARS-CoV 2 Omicron JN1.
In an advisory by Health director-general Patrick Amoth, the Ministry of Health noted that since December last year, it has been monitoring COVID-19 cases with a focus on the new variant but there was no significant increase in the cases.
The ministry noted it had put a robust surveillance system to monitor the emergence and spread of flu and other pathogens of national, regional, and global concern.
“None of these sites has reported an increase in the numbers of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) but increased cases of influenza have been reported,” the Ministry noted in a statement.
The Ministry of Health noted the clarification was important following media reports that attributed the increase in respiratory diseases in the country to the new Covid 19 mutant.
However, the Ministry of Health warned of an increase in influenza cases stating that this time of the year was characterised by a surge in respiratory diseases.
It was further noted that despite the surge in respiratory diseases, there were no significant changes in the number of hospitalizations and deaths reported.
According to health experts, influenza infections are typically self-limiting but may also result in severe disease or death, especially in people at high risk.
Kenyans were thus advised to avoid close contact with people who were sick, especially with respiratory symptoms.
"Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water," the Ministry stated.
"Use face masks/coverings when in public spaces. If possible, get vaccinated against influenza. Seasonal influenza vaccines are commercially available in Kenya."
According to the Ministry of Health, special attention would be given to people showing signs of breathing difficulties, children, the aged, pregnant women and people with coexisting conditions such as Cancer, Tuberculosis, HIV, Diabetes and Heart diseases.
