Kenya heightens surveillance over Hantavirus threat - PS Mary Muthoni

In a statement issued following the global One Health Summit held in Lyon, France in April 2026, the World Health Summit regional meeting and the ongoing Kenya Health Security Convention in Mombasa, the PS said Kenya was shifting its focus from crisis response to long-term disease prevention.

Muriuki said the government was strengthening surveillance systems targeting diseases transmitted from animals to humans, commonly referred to as zoonotic diseases.

She noted that the One Health approach remains critical in tackling emerging health threats such as Hantavirus, whose transmission is closely linked to environmental conditions and infected rodents.

According to the PS, Community Health Promoters will play a key role in managing rodent-related risks at the grassroots level as part of the country's preventive strategy.

Muriuki further warned that climate change and environmental disruptions were contributing to the increasing frequency of disease outbreaks, making stronger preparedness frameworks necessary to protect public health and support the country’s Universal Health Coverage goals.

The Health Ministry also revealed that surveillance has been heightened at airports and seaports to monitor travellers arriving from affected Atlantic cruise routes as part of efforts to prevent cross-border transmission.

At the same time, the ministry said it was integrating digital surveillance systems with laboratory services to improve early detection of unusual respiratory illnesses under the National Action Plan for Health Security 2026–2030.

Health officials explained that Hantavirus presents a major One Health challenge because its spread involves the interaction between animals, the environment and human beings.

The virus is commonly carried by infected rodents, which shed it through urine and droppings, while poor waste management and contaminated environments increase the risk of human exposure.

The ministry stated that Kenya’s preparedness strategy is focused on ensuring that global health policies translate into practical investments capable of strengthening local health infrastructure before outbreaks escalate into national crises.