HMPV virus: Ministry of Health reassures Kenyans amid China outbreak

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has allayed fears of a possible outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Kenya, despite a recent surge of the disease in China that has sparked fears of a potential global pandemic similar to COVID-19.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune system.

HMPV spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets released when coughing or sneezing, close personal contact like shaking hands or touching and coming into contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

“Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections,” the CDC website reads.

“The estimated incubation period is 3 to 6 days, and the median duration of illness can vary depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses.”

In a statement on X on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health reassured Kenyans that HMPV is not a new virus, citing that the disease has been documented in the past as a circulating pathogen that contributes to respiratory illnesses in Kenya.

Further, the Ministry underscored that there has been no surge in respiratory diseases across the country, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe basic public health practices.

“The national public health surveillance system is on high alert, and 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,” MoH said.

“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans. We request members of the public to remain vigilant, continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative.”

Additionally, MoH urged Kenyans with any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness to report to the nearest medical facility.