This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
On July 25, 2019, a 17-year-old boy was admitted to MP Shah Hospital in Nairobi with flu-like signs, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. He later died, but not before two doctors who treated him started showing symptoms of the disease.
The doctors, who were not named, had unknowingly contracted the flu and only realized they were sick when they started developing cold-like symptoms. One of the doctors' conditions worsened, and he was isolated for three days before being discharged.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, the secretary-general of the doctors' trade union, called for health workers to be vaccinated against the disease, citing the risk of exposure to other patients. He noted that cases of severe flu have been reported in multiple health facilities, including some confirmed cases of Influenza A H3N1.
As the weather cools, cases of flu begin to rise, and health officials are warning the public to seek medical attention if they experience cold-like symptoms. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union secretary-general advised doctors to observe hand hygiene and wear protective masks when treating patients with severe respiratory symptoms.
County governments have been advised to heighten surveillance and report any cases to the Division of Disease Surveillance and Response, which is undertaking contact tracing for suspected cases among contacts of the affected.
