By Sandra Blessing
The government has declared an upsurge of influenza in the country and asked the public to practise caution to prevent the spread.
In March this year, the government recorded a notable rise in cases of the disease.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki, in a memo to all county directors of public health, said an upsurge of seasonal influenza A/H3N2 and pdm09H1 was recorded during the month of March.
“The Ministry of Health conducts sentinel site surveillance for influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens in the country. This is primarily to understand and monitor the influenza subtypes that are circulating in the population, as well as to detect unusual activity and new subtypes that may pose a public health threat.
Influenza viruses usually circulate throughout the year, with two peaks of infections—from late February to April and between July and November.
From the ongoing surveillance, the main influenza subtypes that have been circulating in the Kenyan population are the seasonal influenza A/H3N2 and pdm09H1, with a notable upsurge in the number of cases in the month of March 2025,” she wrote.
Muthoni said influenza was a highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory system—primarily the upper respiratory tract, though it can also cause severe lower respiratory diseases.
She added that the disease is caused by the influenza virus, which has four types—A, B, C, and D—with humans most commonly affected by influenza A and B viruses.
“Influenza B is currently circulating in Kenya’s Victorian lineage. Most patients with influenza usually present with symptoms of fever, cough, sneezing, malaise, and a sore throat.
Typically, seasonal influenza infections are self-limiting, but they may also lead to severe disease presentation,” she said.
She added that the disease has adverse effects on the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions, who are at higher risk of severe illness.
She issued a public health advisory warning that the disease could culminate in hospitalisation and even death for high-risk groups.
“It is advised that these groups seek medical attention promptly upon experiencing influenza-like symptoms.
To avoid and reduce the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, the public is urged to avoid close contact with individuals who are sick.
Employ cough and sneeze etiquette, practise hand hygiene, avoid touching your face, wear masks, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and get vaccinated,” she said.
She concluded that the Government of Kenya remains vigilant in combating infectious diseases and ensuring the health and safety of its citizens.
Efforts are ongoing to provide quality healthcare services and protect the public from influenza outbreaks.
