Kenyans have been told not to lower their guard against Covid-19, as a wave of flu sweeps through many parts of the country.

The Ministry of Health says people should continue observing the Covid-19 protocols, including the wearing of face masks, which are effective in preventing airborne infections.

Health Chief Administrative Secretary Mercy Mwangangi called on Kenyans to continue taking precautionary measures.

“This is usually the flu season and it’s expected. However, we are doing genomic surveillance and so far no variants of concern have been identified,” she told People Daily in a telephone interview.

Positivity rate

On March 22, the government lifted restrictions meant to prevent the spread of Covid-19 after cases dropped significantly.

“We continue to implore Kenyans to remain with their face masks, maintain hygiene by washing hands, avoiding crowded places and ensure they live and work in well-ventilated places,” she said.

In the last two weeks, the country has witnessed an upward trend in Covid-19 cases. Some 47 people tested positive for the disease on Saturday, the highest since the restrictions were eased. On Friday, 46 cases were detected.

“The positivity rate is now at two per cent,” Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said on Friday.

Yesterday, the number of people who tested positive for the disease dropped to 20, a positivity rate of 0.9 per cent.

“Today, 20 people have tested positive for the disease, from a sample size of 2,219 tested in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate is now 0.9 per cent,” Kagwe noted yesterday.

Mild symptoms

There is a concern, however, about the steady rise in the number of cases from a low of five two weeks ago to 20 in the last one week.

Prof Matilu Mwau, of the Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory at Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), says Covid-19 can present itself differently.

“Some get mild symptoms, while in others it is severe depending on their immunity,” he said recently.

Mwau cautioned that the flu outbreak could be Covid-19 presenting itself differently, and advised people to observe preventive measures.

“We need to continue washing our hands and observe social distance when in public places,” he said.