Nyamira Residents Warned As Deadly Virus Outbreaks

Nyamira County residents have been put on high alert following the announcement by the County Health Department that an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) has been confirmed in Bukoba, Kagera, Tanzania.

The disease has already claimed five lives out of the eight individuals that have been affected. The announcement was made by Dr. Ombati Mokua, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of Health on March 23, 2023.

Marburg Virus Disease is a rare but severe viral disease that is transmitted to humans through exposure to infected fruit bats or their excreta. The virus can also be transmitted from human-to-human through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and semen. The disease has a high mortality rate and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting.

The confirmation of the outbreak in neighboring Tanzania is a cause for concern for the residents of Nyamira County. The county shares a border with Kisii County, which is adjacent to Tanzania. The movement of people across the border is frequent, and there is a risk of the disease spreading to the county. It is, therefore, important for the county health department to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The county health department has already put in place measures to prevent the spread of the disease. These measures include the intensification of surveillance at border points, the establishment of isolation units, and the provision of personal protective equipment to health workers. The department has also advised the residents of the county to avoid unnecessary travel to Tanzania and to report any suspected cases of the disease.

The confirmation of the outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in neighboring Tanzania is a cause for concern for the residents of Nyamira County. The disease is severe and has a high mortality rate. It is, therefore, important for the county health department to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The residents of the county should also take responsibility for their health by avoiding unnecessary travel to Tanzania and reporting any suspected cases of the disease.