Kenya has continued to report increasing cases of COVID 19 since the first case was reported on 14th March 2020.
Community members are advised to stay alert all the time and take all necessary measures to protect themselves, their families, friends, neighbors and the general public. The famous adage: “Precaution is Better than Cure”
On 10th July 2992 473 cases were reported in 24 hours. The total number of cases reported since the outbreak started up to 10th July 2020 are 9,488 cases. There have been 181 deaths due to COVID 19 since the outbreak started.
According to Ministry of Health (MOH) data, the case fatality was 1.9% (number of death due to COVID 19 as a percentage of COVID 19 cases). The case fatality is much lower than the world average of 6.7%. Most of the severe cases and deaths had underlying conditions such as old age, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and history of smoking.
Testing Capacity
There are 25 laboratories which have been authorized to test for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR of a throat and nasal swab. Test results are available within 24 – 48 hours. There are occasional periods when test results may be delayed due to shortage of reagents. The MOH has not encouraged the use of blood test for antibodies for routine use.
Bed Capacity for isolation and managing severe cases
The availability of public sector and private sector beds is sometimes an issue in Nairobi. However, in Mombasa only 40% of public sector isolation beds are occupied. ICU beds and ventilators at times are not readily available in Nairobi. Mortality in patients admitted in ICU and intubated is high even in the best of centers.
The Government has encouraged use of home or community-based quarantine and isolation. As a result of this policy, pressure in hospitals has eased considerably.
Impact and community response
Both the Nairobi and Mombasa Jamaats have reported cases of COVID-19. Nairobi Jamaat has had about 7 cases so far and Mombasa Jamaat has also 7 cases so far.
Mombasa Jamaat has set up an isolation center with a capacity of 8 beds, 24-hour staff is available. The isolation center was inspected by MOH and approved for use. It has oxygen concentrators, oxygen monitors, various types of masks and for severe cases, a CPAP machine is available.
The Chairman of Mombasa Jamaat Alhaj Mohamed Jaffer through his Foundation has seconded a car for use by County Health Authorities in tracing contacts and supervising patients who are in self isolation at home. The Foundation has also donated beds to MOH facility which has been set aside as a COVID 19 care center.
Both Jamaats have issued newsletters on COVID 19 preventive messages and are also following Government issued directives on burials and public gatherings.
Members of the public have started ignoring preventive measures after the lockdown was lifted and this has led to an increase in cases.
Costs, anxiety, and stigma
The cost of hospitalization in private sector is expensive costing a minimum of US$ 300 per day for a bed. This is because of the cost of PPE. Drug charges and investigations are an added cost. Investigations costs vary from US$ 300- US$ 1,000 per admission.
Many people are apprehensive about the disease and wait for 3 to 5 days before seeking treatment. The disease as of now runs a mild course in young people but is severe in high risk groups.
Patients who have been treated and discharge home are stigmatized by friends and neighbors. The MOH is planning to run a campaign to address this issue.
The Future
The Government has predicted that the cases will peak in August / September. The disease may last for 2 years or longer if no new drugs are found to treat it or a vaccine is not available.
Prevention remains the key to stop the disease peaking. The measures are simple which include hand hygiene, wearing a face mask, avoiding crowded places, maintain social distancing and living a healthy lifestyle with healthy food and exercise.
STOP SMOKING for the wellbeing of your family and for yourself.
Secretariat
Central Health Board – Africa Federation
13th July 2020