Kenyans have been urged to avoid non-essential travel to parts of India following the outbreak of the Nipah Virus earlier this year, with health authorities calling for strict hygiene measures for those who must travel.
In a statement on Tuesday, Director General of Health Patrick Amoth said the risk of the virus spreading to Kenya remains low but cautioned citizens to remain vigilant.
“Two confirmed cases have been reported in the current outbreak in the West Bengal region in India. The risk of spread of the disease to Kenya is low, the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
“Kenyans are advised to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas in India until further notice. Those who must travel should observe strict personal hygiene.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently confirmed the outbreak of the “rare but serious disease,” prompting global health authorities to increase surveillance.
Nipah Virus is a zoonotic pathogen, primarily transmitted from infected animals to humans.
According to the WHO, fruit bats or flying foxes, common in coastal regions and islands across the Indian Ocean, India, South-East Asia, and Oceania, are the main carriers. The virus can also spread through contaminated food or close contact with infected persons.
Symptoms appear roughly 14 days after infection and include fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. WHO notes that no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for the Nipah Virus.
The Ministry of Health said it is monitoring the situation in India, conducting risk assessments and keeping the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (NPHEOC) on alert to enhance preparedness.
Kenyans have been advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms, avoid close contact with seriously ill persons and practice regular handwashing.
The ministry also urged the public to wash fruits thoroughly, avoid fruits showing signs of animal bites, refrain from consuming raw or unprocessed fruit products and safely handle sick or deceased animals.