Consultant Pathologist Dr. Ahmed Kalebi has expressed concerns over the Kenyan government's preparedness to handle the Ebola virus after a case was recorded. He emphasized the need for the government to reassure citizens that they have mechanisms in place to prevent further cases. Dr. Kalebi's comments come after Health CS Aden Duale confirmed that the patient had died while receiving treatment at the Nairobi Hospital.
The patient, who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Uganda by road and then took a flight to Nairobi, was allowed to leave the airport despite showing symptoms of the disease. Dr. Kalebi questioned why the patient was not flagged during the screening process and whether the thermal scanner was functioning properly. He stressed the need for an audit to determine the cause of the failure.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has resulted in 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,000 deaths since May. Uganda had reported 20 cases and two deaths before being declared Ebola-free in August. Dr. Kalebi emphasized that the government should inform Kenyans of their plans for contact tracing and urged the health ministry to put out a call to anyone who may have come into contact with the deceased patient to quarantine and seek medical attention.
Dr. Kalebi also raised concerns about the level of civic education in Kenya regarding Ebola, stating that the government is not fully prepared to handle the disease. He called on the government to take proactive measures to prevent further cases and reassure citizens of their safety. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced that a high-level team will fly to Kenya to provide support.
Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya has expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and the Kenyan government. He thanked the Kenyan authorities for their rapid response and reiterated the organization's full support. Dr. Kaseya will personally travel to Kenya to assess the situation and determine additional support required.
The Kenyan government has faced criticism for its handling of the Ebola case, with some questioning why the patient was allowed to leave the airport. The government has reassured citizens that it is taking measures to prevent further cases, but Dr. Kalebi's comments highlight the need for greater transparency and preparedness.
The incident has raised concerns about Kenya's preparedness to handle infectious diseases, and the government faces pressure to take proactive measures to prevent further cases. The situation is being closely monitored, and citizens are awaiting further updates on the government's response.
Key points
- Dr. Ahmed Kalebi has called on the Kenyan government to reassure citizens of their safety after a case of Ebola virus was recorded.
- The patient who died from Ebola had traveled from the DRC to Uganda and then to Nairobi, raising questions about the effectiveness of airport screening mechanisms.
- Africa CDC will send a high-level team to Kenya to provide support and assess the situation.
