Health ministry issues public advisory on Nipah Virus outbreak, confirms no cases in Kenya

The Ministry of Health has moved to reassure Kenyans following reports of the Nipah Virus outbreak in India, confirming that there are currently no cases reported in the country.

In a public advisory issued on Tuesday, the ministry said two confirmed cases of the rare but serious viral disease have been reported in India’s West Bengal region, but maintained that the risk of the virus spreading to Kenya remains low.

“There is currently no Nipah Virus outbreak in Kenya and the risk to the general public remains low,” the advisory by Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth stated, urging the public to rely on official government information and avoid spreading rumours.

“Nipah Virus is a rare but serious viral disease that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, from person to person,” Amoth added, noting that while outbreaks have occurred in parts of Asia, none have been reported in Africa, including Kenya.

Dr. Amoth said the virus, whose natural hosts are fruit bats, can spread through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of food contaminated by bats, or close contact with infected persons, particularly through bodily fluids.

He pointed out that the government is closely monitoring developments in India and has activated preparedness measures locally.

“The Ministry of Health is monitoring the situation, conducting continuous risk assessments, maintaining the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on watch mode, and strengthening preparedness and response planning,” Dr. Amoth said.

Symptoms of the virus may appear between three and 21 days after infection and can include fever, headache, confusion, drowsiness, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe cases may lead to inflammation of the brain and can be life-threatening.

Kenyans have been advised to observe simple preventive measures, including regular hand washing, washing and peeling fruits before consumption, avoiding raw or unprocessed fruit products, and steering clear of fruits with signs of animal bites.

The ministry also cautioned against close contact with seriously ill persons and urged the public to seek medical care early if they develop a fever accompanied by breathing difficulties or confusion.

As an additional precaution, Kenyans have been advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas in India until further notice.

Anyone experiencing severe illness, especially after recent international travel, has been advised to visit the nearest health facility immediately.