There is no case of Zika virus that has been detected in Kenya despite the country's proximity to the source of the pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes and primates, scientists said on Tuesday.

Rosemary Sang, the Chief Virologist at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) told reporters in Nairobi the East African nation is yet to record a single case of Zika virus.

"So far, there is no case of Zika virus that has been detected in the country despite media reports suggesting some cases were indentified in the coast and north eastern region," Sang said.

The Zika virus that was discovered in a tropical forest in Central parts of Uganda in the 50s has stirred global panic after spreading rapidly in the Americas.

Transmitted by mosquitoes and primates, Zika virus causes mild fever and skin rash to infected persons.

Scientific research revealed the mosquito virus is to blame for abnormally small heads to children born by infected mothers.

The UN World Health Organisation declared an international health emergency on Feb. 1 over the outbreak of the virus, that authorities fear is linked to a rise in cases of microcephaly, a birth defect marked by an abnormally small head.

Speaking at a regional health research symposium, Kenyan scientists emphasized the country had put adequate measures in place to prevent a Zika virus outbreak.

"We have intensified surveillance in all parts of the country to ward off Zika virus transmission. Together with our partners in the region, we are monitoring the situation closely and there should be no cause for alarm," Sang said.

She clarified that only few cases of Dengue Fever have been reported in the coast and north eastern region.

Sang revealed that research centers across the region have state of the art infrastructure and trained personnel to strengthen surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of Zika Virus.

"There is a comprehensive regional approach to combat the Zika virus. Besides border surveilance, we have a network of laboratories that have the capacity to promptly detect lethal pathogens including Zika virus and Ebola," Sang said. Endit

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