By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The Ministry of Health has dispelled fears of the return of the Covid-19 infections in the country.
There have been reports of an increase in respiratory infections linked to the virus across the country.
But the Ministry said although the cases have been on the rise, they are not related to Covid-19 that wreaked havoc globally a few years ago.
In a statement on Thursday, acting Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the government has a robust surveillance system for the pandemic where several sites have been set up
“None of these sites have reported an increase in the number of COVID-19 but increased cases of influenza has been reported,” Dr Amoth said in part of the statement.
The Ministry further said the current high cases of respiratory infections are in line with expected cases of influenza this season.
According to the acting Director General of Health, the cases are usually at peak in the seasons of February to March and July to November.
“There have been no significant changes in the number of hospitalizations and deaths,” the Ministry said.
Influenza infections are usually self-limiting but can at times result in severe death especially in people at high risk.
The ministry is now asking members of the public to avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially those with respiratory symptoms, limit contact with others for those who are sick and also cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Other precautions the Ministry of Health wants Kenyans to observe to limit the spread of influenza include washing hands with soap and mouth as well as avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth.
“Special attention should be applied to cases showing signs of breathing difficulties and suspected infections among children and the aged, pregnant women and among people with coexisting conditions such cancer, TB, HIV, Diabetes, Heart diseases among others,” the Ministry said.
“These groups should promptly be referred to health facilities for appropriate assessment,” it added.
