As the nurses’ strike reaches its 144 day, the health woes of Kenyan citizens take a morbid turn as the World Health Organization has put Kenya on a plague alert.

This is after Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) was confirmed in Madagascar where a total of 684 cases and 57 deaths have been reported as of 1st August 2017 and October 12, 2017.

The Ministry of Health is also watchful following the confirmation of a case of MVD in Kween district Eastern Uganda by the Ministry of Health.

MVD is a bacterial disease which can be transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of infected fleas, direct contact with infected fluids or tissues and inhalation of infected respiratory droplets.

According to WHO risk assessment, Kenya has been classified as at moderate risk of potential spread.

This is because there are over 20 weekly flights between Madagascar and Kenya.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, Director of Medical Services Kioko Jackson directed all healthcare workers and institutions to initiate measures to prevent the spread of the fatal disease in Kenya.

MVD has a case-fatality ratio of 30% to 100% if left untreated. The disease develops within a week after infection and symptoms include sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, body aches, body weakness, nausea and vomiting.