Kenya’s Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance at all entry points following the confirmation of a Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak in neighboring Uganda. The virus, a highly lethal pathogen from the same family as Ebola, has raised concerns over cross-border transmission, prompting swift action from health officials.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni assured Kenyans that preventive measures are in place to curb any potential spread of the disease into the country. “We are closely monitoring all points of entry and have increased health screenings to detect any potential cases early. Our goal is to safeguard the public from this deadly virus,” Muthoni stated.
Uganda’s Health Ministry confirmed the outbreak on January 30 after a 32-year-old nurse succumbed to the virus while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kampala. This marked the first reported case in the country, sparking an urgent response from health authorities.
The Sudan virus, which has a fatality rate of up to 90%, spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, as well as contaminated surfaces, bedding, and clothing. This makes healthcare workers and family members of infected patients particularly vulnerable.
So far, Ugandan authorities have identified at least 45 people who had close contact with the deceased nurse, including fellow health workers and family members. These individuals are now under strict monitoring to detect any symptoms early and prevent further spread.
Sudan virus disease manifests with flu-like symptoms that can escalate rapidly. These include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
In severe cases, patients may experience internal and external bleeding, leading to organ failure and death. Given the virus’s high mortality rate, early detection and medical intervention are crucial in improving survival chances.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has swiftly responded to Uganda’s outbreak by allocating $1 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies. These funds will help support containment measures such as the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), contact tracing, and medical response efforts.
While there are currently no licensed vaccines for the Sudan virus, WHO is collaborating with pharmaceutical developers to accelerate the availability of experimental vaccines for emergency use. Researchers are working on potential candidates, but regulatory approvals will be needed before deployment.
In light of the outbreak, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has urged the public to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Muthoni emphasized the importance of avoiding:
- Unprotected contact with individuals showing symptoms
- Handling meat or animal waste from unknown sources
- Contact with wild animals, which are believed to be natural hosts of the virus
She further stressed that individuals experiencing symptoms should seek medical help immediately instead of self-medicating at home.
To enhance public awareness, the Ministry of Health has provided emergency contacts for reporting suspected cases. Kenyans are encouraged to reach out through:
- Hotline 719
- 0729 471 414
- 0732 353 535
As a precautionary measure, Muthoni advised against touching the bodies of individuals suspected to have succumbed to the virus. “Only trained burial teams will be allowed to handle deceased persons with symptoms consistent with Sudan virus disease,” she said.
Close contacts of confirmed cases will undergo a 21-day monitoring period, during which health officials will check for symptoms and provide necessary medical intervention if needed.
Given the frequent movement of people between Kenya and Uganda for business and social reasons, the risk of cross-border transmission remains a concern. Kenya’s health authorities have heightened border screenings at Busia, Malaba, and other key entry points to ensure that anyone displaying symptoms is isolated and tested.
While no cases have been reported in Kenya yet, the Ministry of Health remains on high alert, working with regional and international partners to keep the country safe from this deadly disease.
For now, public vigilance and adherence to health guidelines remain the most effective tools in preventing the spread of Sudan virus disease.
