The government, through the Ministry of Health, has dismissed reports of an alleged outbreak of a flu-like illness caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Kenya.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, while addressing Kenyans on Tuesday, January 7, clarified that the HMPV is not a new virus and that it has yet to be documented as a respiratory illness in the country.
According to CS Barasa, despite its absence in Kenya, the national public health surveillance system remains on high alert to contain any potential cases.
“We are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities,” the CS assured Kenyans.
The announcement comes amidst online reports highlighting an outbreak of the Metapneumovirus, a flu-like illness, in China in recent weeks.
The virus, which has been likened to the Coronavirus, has sparked fears worldwide, particularly among individuals suffering from respiratory diseases.
Photos and videos of people wearing masks in the streets of China have raised eyebrows on the internet with some expressing concerns over its possible spread to other countries.
Recently in India, the virus was allegedly detected in two infants including a three-month-old girl and a six-month-old boy within the Karnataka and Gujarat regions, with the victims reportedly portraying respiratory struggles.
Despite its resurgence, the virus was first recorded in 2001 in the Netherlands and is said to spread through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, in its briefing today, called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and continue observing public health practices such as maintaining hand hygiene.
Kenyans were also urged to practise respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani initiative.
Individuals experiencing unusual or severe respiratory illness were advised to seek medical assistance from the nearest health facility without delay.
