Government on high alert after deadly plague outbreak

The government is on high alert after a plague epidemic was confirmed in Madagascar where a total of 684 cases and 57 deaths have been reported between 1st August 2017 and October 12, 2017.

The Ministry of Health is also on alert following the confirmation of a case of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Kween district Eastern Uganda by Ministry of Health (MoH).

In a notice issued on Tuesday, Director of Medical Services Kioko Jackson directed all healthcare workers and health institutions to immediately initiate preparedness and response measures to prevent the spread of the fatal disease in Kenya.

Health management teams at border points have been advised to pay close attention to patients with travel history to Madagascar and Seychelles and watch out for plague symptoms.

All suspected cases of plague should be reported immediately to the Disease Surveillance and Response Unite or Ministry of Health, Dr Kioko said in the notice.

According to WHO risk assessment, Kenya has been classified as at moderate risk of potential spread due to travel interconnection with Madagascar. There are over 20 weekly flights between Madagascar and Kenya.

Plague, a bacterial disease, may be transmitted to humans by either of following ways: the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected fluids or tissues (either human or other infected animals), and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.

It can be a very severe disease with a case-fatality ratio of 30% to 100% if untreated. The disease develops within one to seven days after infection and symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, body aches, body weakness, nausea and vomiting. If diagnosed early, the disease can be cured with antibiotics and supportive care.

Currently, the three most endemic countries are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar (in Africa) and Peru (In South America).