Kenya steps up surveillance against Hantavirus at all points of entry

Kenya has heightened its disease surveillance and preparedness measures following reports of a rare strain of Hantavirus linked to an outbreak aboard a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean. Even though no cases have been detected locally, the Ministry of Health says all airports and seaports are now on high alert as authorities move to prevent a possible spread of the virus. Speaking during a mass service at Siakago Catholic Church, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government is strengthening early warning systems and laboratory networks to quickly detect zoonotic diseases, particularly those associated with rodent exposure and the effects of climate change. She added that community health promoters will play a key role in sensitizing the public and supporting prevention efforts at the grassroots level, as counties have also been directed to prepare isolation centers and reinforce infection control measures.