The Ministry of health has heightened surveillance , measures and preparedness following the recently reported outbreak of the rare Andes strain of Hantivirus linked to the cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean .Following this, health officials in the country say no case has been confirmed locally confirming that vigilance had been stepped up at airports and sea ports
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni Muriuki has emphasized the need for long-term prevention rather than crisis response.
The PS says Kenya is strengthening surveillance systems to detect zoonotic diseases early, especially threats linked to rodents and climate change. She noted that Community Health Promoters will play a key role in grassroots prevention and public awareness.
According to the World Health Organization, eight cases, including three deaths, have so far been reported aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius. Preliminary findings point to the Andes strain of Hantavirus, a rare variant capable of limited human-to-human transmission.
The Ministry of Health says digital surveillance systems and laboratory networks have been placed on high alert, while counties have been directed to prepare isolation centres, enhance infection prevention measures, and intensify public sensitization campaigns.
