Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that 66 individuals suspected to have come into contact with the country's first Ebola patient have been accounted for and are being quarantined at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi. This move is part of the government's efforts to contain the spread of the disease. The patient, a 40-year-old individual, died recently, prompting a nationwide search for contacts.
According to CS Duale, the number of contacts is expected to rise as the government continues tracing people who may have been exposed to the patient before his death. Initially, 57 contacts were identified, but the number has since increased to 66. The Ministry of Health is working to ensure that all individuals who may have come into contact with the patient are accounted for and quarantined.
The Ministry of Health is also tracing passengers who may have travelled on the same JamboJet aircraft used by the patient after October 2, when he travelled to Nairobi. The airline has provided details of 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the flight, but the government has asked for information on other flights operated by the aircraft between Saturday and Thursday.
To contain the disease, the government has intensified surveillance and screening measures, with isolation and quarantine centres operational. Healthcare workers have also been trained and equipped to respond to any additional cases that may be detected. The government has mobilized infection prevention commodities and Personal Protective Equipment, including 1,000 sets of PPE provided by the WHO and 6,000 sets donated by the Government of India.
CS Duale dismissed reports of a suspected Ebola case in Wajir, stating that the government had established the patient's movements before arriving in Kenya. The patient travelled over 3,000 kilometres, moving through several locations before flying from Kampala to Nairobi. This information has helped the government to account for the pathway and journey of the patient.
The government is seeking to reassure Kenyans and the diplomatic community that the country remains safe despite the confirmation of a single imported Ebola case. This comes after the United States advised its citizens to exercise caution while living in or travelling to Kenya following the country's first reported Ebola death.
The government continues to work to contain the spread of the disease, with CS Duale expressing appreciation for the support of partners, including the WHO and the Government of India. The Ministry of Health remains vigilant, with measures in place to prevent further spread of the disease.
Key points
- 66 people suspected to have come into contact with Kenya's first Ebola patient have been accounted for and are being quarantined.
- The government has intensified surveillance and screening measures to contain the disease.
- The patient travelled over 3,000 kilometres before flying from Kampala to Nairobi, helping the government to account for his pathway and journey.
