Kenya has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, even as the government steps up surveillance and preparedness measures in response to an outbreak affecting parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a statement on Friday, June 5, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the country remains on high alert because of strong regional movement of people and goods across borders.
Health authorities noted that Kenya’s trade links, transport networks and population mobility place it at elevated risk of importing the disease, despite there being no confirmed local case so far.
“Given Kenya’s close regional connectivity through trade, transport, and population mo9vement, the country remains at an elevated risk of disease importation. In response, the Government has intensified national preparedness and response measures to safeguard public health,” read part of the statement.
The government said it has activated the National Incident Management System and intensified screening at points of entry as part of a broader plan to prevent any possible spread into the country.
It also reassured the public that all tested suspect samples linked to recent travel history have returned negative results.
“Kenya has activated the National Incident Management System and intensified surveillance at Points of Entry, designated laboratories for Ebola testing, and strengthened coordination mechanisms at both national and county levels,” CS Duale said.
According to the ministry, more than 80,000 travellers have so far been screened for Ebola at various entry points, including 3,969 people screened within the last 24 hours.
Officials added that 56 samples collected from alerts involving individuals with recent travel history to affected areas had been tested, and all were negative.
“To date, more than 80,000 travellers have been screened for Ebola Virus Disease through various Points of Entry, including 3,969 people screened within the last 24 hours. In addition, a total of 56 samples collected from alerts involving individuals with recent travel history to the DRC and Uganda have been tested, and all results have been negative,” Duale said.
Kenya has also designated four national laboratories for Ebola testing, which are, the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory stationed at the Busia One-Stop Border Post.
In addition, the Ministry said it has identified 25 high-risk counties, placed 347 rapid response personnel on standby, and sensitized more than 1,759 national and county healthcare workers on Ebola preparedness and response.
“The Ministry has also identified 25 high-risk counties, placed 347 rapid response personnel on standby, and sensitized more than 1,759 national and county healthcare workers on Ebola preparedness and response,” Duale stated.
Authorities said simulation exercises are ongoing in high-risk counties to test the country’s readiness to detect and respond quickly to any outbreak.
The Ministry added that it is working closely with county governments, regional institutions and international partners to strengthen coordination and preparedness at both national and local levels.
The Ministry urged members of the public to remain calm but alert, especially those who have recently travelled to Uganda or the DRC and develop symptoms associated with Ebola.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm but vigilant and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, weakness, skin rash, sore throat, and signs of impaired kidney or liver function,” read the statement.
Kenyans were also advised to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and refrain from handling sick or dead animals.
The government further appealed to the public to rely only on official updates from the Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, the World Health Organization and Africa CDC, warning against the spread of unverified information that could trigger unnecessary panic.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep the public informed as events unfold.
“Members of the publi8c are urged to refrain from spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic,” the statement concluded.
