The Ministry of Health Kenya has confirmed that no cases of Hantavirus infection have been reported in Kenya.
Speaking on Friday, May 8, Director General Patrick Amoth said the risk to the public remained low, noting that the outbreak had only been reported aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius.
Despite the absence of local infections, the ministry said it was closely monitoring the situation following confirmation by the World Health Organization of eight cases and three deaths linked to the virus.
Ministry of Health clarifies Kenya has no reported Hantavirus infections. Photo: Courtesy.
Amoth stated that Kenyan health authorities had heightened surveillance measures as part of ongoing precautionary efforts to prevent possible importation of the disease.
The ministry further revealed that screening at airports and seaports had been strengthened, health facilities alerted to monitor symptoms among travellers, and rapid response and testing systems put on standby.
Amoth explained that hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, including exposure to contaminated dust, surfaces, or rodent waste.
He noted that although rare, human-to-human transmission can occur in cases involving the Andes strain of the virus through close contact.
According to the Health Ministry, symptoms may appear between one and eight weeks after exposure and include fever, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties in severe cases.
The ministry warned that serious infections could develop into Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a potentially life-threatening condition.
Kenyans were advised to maintain clean surroundings, properly store food, safely dispose of waste, wash hands regularly, and avoid contact with rodents and their droppings.
The public was also urged to rely only on updates from the Ministry of Health Kenya and the World Health Organization.
