Ministry of Health attributes respiratory illnesses spike to influenza, rules out Covid-19

The Ministry of Health has attributed the rise in respiratory illness nationwide to influenza, dismissing reports that it might be Covid-19 (SARS- CoV 2 Omicron JN1).

According to the World Health Organization, Influenza, also known as the ‘flu’ is a highly contagious respiratory illness, which spreads easily through the air or when people touch contaminated surfaces.

In many cases, the disease is mild, with symptoms such as chills, fever, and exhaustion; nevertheless, it can also spread through asymptomatic infections in people who are unaware they are unwell.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry noted that they have been monitoring influenza cases for over two decades and have observed peaks between February to March and July to November.

Despite reports of an increase in influenza cases, the Ministry stated that there have been no reported cases of Covid-19 since December 2023.

The Ministry reassured the public that they have a robust surveillance system that monitors the emergence and spread of flu and other pathogens of national, regional, and global concern.

Among the surveillance systems employed by the Ministry include; passive surveillance which covers the entire country, sentinel surveillance (nine sites), Event Based Surveillance (eight counties), Integrated Facility Surveillance (12 sites) and Mortality Surveillance (10 sites).

The Ministry added that among the pathogens monitored are those with a high potential to cause epidemic flu such as Covid-19, influenza virus, and other pathogens that are implicated in upper and lower respiratory infections.

“None of these sites has reported an increase in the numbers of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) but increased cases of influenza have been reported,” the Ministry said.

“We wish to inform the public that the current increase in numbers is in line with the expected cases of influenza at this time of the year and there have been no significant changes in the number of hospitalisations and deaths reported.”

The Ministry has also warned that Influenza infections are typically self-limiting but may also result in severe disease or death, especially in people at high risk.

To prevent the infections from circulating, the public has been urged to take preventive measures such as avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently and using face masks in public spaces.

“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. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it,” the Ministry said.

If soap and water are not available, residents have been directed to use an alcohol-based hand rub. They should also avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth as germs spread this way.

They also recommended cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and getting vaccinated against influenza.

“If possible, get vaccinated against influenza. Seasonal influenza vaccines are commercially available in Kenya,” the Ministry said.

According to the Ministry, 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 coexisting conditions such as cancer, TB, HIV, Diabetes, Heart diseases, among others.

“These groups should promptly be referred to health facilities for appropriate assessment,” it said.