The Ministry of Health has refuted recent media reports of surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.
In a statement to newsrooms, Acting Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth noted that the increased cases are actually influenza.
“The Ministry of Health has been monitoring influenza cases over the last two decades. We have observed the occurrence of cases throughout the year with an upsurge of cases in two peaks; February to March and July to November,” read part of the statement.
Similarly, the Health ministry has been monitoring the new COVID-19 variant- SARS Cov 2 Omicron JN1.
These two pathogens are only part of a number of those likely to cause epidemic flu.
So far, Dr Amoth noted that none of their surveillance systems had reported an increase in numbers of the SARS Cov 2 but increased cases of influenza were reported.
The Ministry said this was within the expected range at this time of the year, as no alarming number of hospitalizations or deaths had occurred.
Dr Amoth however listed safety hygiene measures to reduce risk of contracting influenza or other respiratory illnesses particularly for vulnerable groups.
These are;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick especially with respiratory symptoms.
- If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use non-alcoholic based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can be spread this way.
- Use face masks/coverings when in public spaces.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
- If possible, get vaccinated against influenza. Seasonal influenca vaccines are commercially available in Kenya.
- Special attention should be applied to cases showing signs of breathing difficulties and suspected infections among children and the aged, pregnant women and people with co-existing conditions such as TB, HIV Diabetes…
This comes as doctors in many counties down their tools citing government’s lack of good will to address their concerns.