The Ministry of Health, under the government’s authority, rebuffed claims of the dissemination of a novel Covid-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN1, as per Health director-general Patrick Amoth’s advisory released on Thursday.
The Ministry emphasized its continuous monitoring of COVID-19 cases since December of the preceding year, particularly focusing on the new variant. However, it observed no significant escalation in cases during this period.
Emphasizing its commitment to vigilance, the Ministry asserted the establishment of a robust surveillance mechanism to track the emergence and transmission of influenza and other pathogens of national, regional, and global concern.
Despite media reports linking the upsurge in respiratory illnesses within the country to the new Covid-19 mutant, the Ministry clarified that none of its monitoring sites had reported an elevation in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) cases. Instead, a rise in influenza cases was noted.
Nevertheless, the Ministry cautioned about an uptick in influenza incidents, citing the seasonal predisposition towards respiratory diseases during this period. It highlighted that despite the surge in respiratory ailments, there were no notable fluctuations in hospitalizations or fatalities reported.
Health experts underscored that while influenza infections are typically self-limiting, they can manifest as severe ailments or fatalities, particularly among high-risk individuals.
Kenyans were advised to maintain distance from individuals exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illnesses, covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues appropriately, and practicing frequent hand hygiene.
The Ministry recommended the use of face masks in public spaces and encouraged vaccination against influenza, emphasizing the availability of seasonal influenza vaccines in Kenya.
Special attention would be accorded to individuals displaying respiratory distress, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions such as Cancer, Tuberculosis, HIV, Diabetes, and Heart diseases, as per the Ministry of Health’s directives.
