Kenya On High Alert As Ugandan Succumbs To Marburg
The Kenyan government is on high alert after a Ugandan succumbed to the Marburg virus, the Ebola-like hemorrhagic fever.
The Marburg virus which has sent shock waves in the East African region is now giving health experts sleepless nights. The Kenyan government has intensified screening at all points of entry in to the country with specific focus on the Malaba border point on the Kenya-Uganda border
All passengers entering the airport from Uganda to Kenya will also be subjected to mandatory screening for the Marburg Ebola- like virus. The hemorrhagic disease which has an incubation period of between 2 and 21 days exhibits symptoms similar to those of the Ebola Virus. It has already claimed one life in Uganda.
A Kenyan morgue attendant who works in Uganda and a woman who had recently traveled from Uganda had exhibited fever and other symptoms similar to those of the Marburg virus. They were isolated in Kenyatta National hospital and the Nairobi hospital for screening and testing before they were released.
Just like the Ebola Virus, the Marburg disease which has so far lead to the death of one medical personnel and isolation of 99 other Ugandans is spread through direct contact of blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person. Doctors say that the Marburg virus is very fatal and it kills one out of every 10 people infected with the virus if they don’t receive treatment on time.
The government has asked all Kenyans to remain vigilant and have minimal contact with people who have recently traveled from Uganda. Citizens have also been advised to observe hygiene and wash hands with soap as many times as possible
Symptoms of the Marburg virus include:
Fever, headache, Malaria like symptoms, Diarrhea, Vomiting of blood and abdominal pain
