The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant as it investigates reports of alleged outbreaks of a flu-like illness caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
The statement was posted on X, in the wake of a surge in respiratory virus infections in China, sparking concerns about a potential new pandemic.
While the national public health surveillance system is on high alert, the Ministry assured the public that HMPV is not a new virus and has been previously documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya.
“The Ministry of Health is following up on reports of alleged outbreaks of a flu-like illness caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). We wish to assure the general public that HMPV is not a new virus, and has been documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya” it said.
“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”, the Ministry stated as it committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans.
Consequently, Kenyans have been advised to continue observing public health practices, such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative.
The Ministry said it will keep the public informed on any developments regarding the situation.
“Any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness are advised to seek medical assistance from the nearest health facility as soon as possible. Further information will be provided as it becomes available. For inquiries, please call 719”.
China is once again at the center of global health attention with an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) reported in several regions.
The outbreak that has caused panic has prompted Chinese authorities to implement familiar precautionary measures, including recommendations for face mask usage and frequent hand washing, stirring memories of the early days of Covid-19.
The virus, has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.
The outbreak comes five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic with seven million deaths reported.
What is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza. While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The virus is not new but has gained attention amid a surge in cases, particularly in children under 14 in northern China.
First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Cases have been previously identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom.
Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days.
Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; treatment primarily involves managing symptoms.
