As Kenyans prepare for festive celebrations, the Ministry of Health’s State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards has issued a public health advisory highlighting the increased risk of infectious disease transmission during the holiday season.
The advisory emphasizes preventive measures to safeguard both individuals and communities.
According to the Ministry, the festive period often involves increased travel, social gatherings, and crowded events, all of which can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni explained that certain behaviours and conditions during festivities can accelerate disease transmission.
“During festive celebrations, increased travel, social gatherings, and crowding can raise the risk of infectious disease transmission,” she said.
The Ministry noted several key factors that facilitate the spread of infections, including close contact in crowded spaces such as parties, religious gatherings, and busy markets, as well as poor ventilation in indoor venues.
Sharing food, utensils, or personal items, increased travel, exposure to new environments, and reduced attention to personal hygiene or early symptoms of illness were also cited as major contributors.
To mitigate these risks, the Ministry has outlined practical prevention measures. Maintaining good hygiene is essential.
Citizens are urged to wash hands regularly or use sanitizer, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching their faces.
“Good hygiene, including washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes, remains one of the most effective ways to prevent disease transmission,” said Muthoni.
The advisory also emphasizes the importance of staying home when unwell.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, or diarrhea are advised to avoid attending social gatherings and to seek medical care promptly if symptoms worsen.
For safer celebrations, the Ministry recommends preferring outdoor or well-ventilated venues, avoiding overcrowding, and limiting the duration of gatherings.
Food safety remains a critical concern, with guidance to cook and store food properly, wash hands before handling food, and avoid sharing utensils, cups, or bottles.
Special precautions are advised for vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
Masks are recommended in crowded or high-risk settings.
Vaccination is also highlighted as a key preventive strategy, with the public encouraged to keep recommended vaccines up to date and follow local health guidance.
Travel-related advice includes following destination health advisories, maintaining hand hygiene, and refraining from travel when unwell.
Muthoni emphasized the collective responsibility of citizens in safeguarding public health.
“Responsible celebration protects individuals, families, and the wider community through simple preventive actions,” she stated, underlining that adherence to these measures can help ensure safe and healthy festivities for all.
The Ministry of Health’s advisory serves as a timely reminder that even during celebrations, vigilance and preventive practices are essential to curb the spread of infectious diseases, protect vulnerable populations, and sustain the health of the nation.
