Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale addressed concerns over the 48-hour delay in confirming Kenya's first Ebola case, emphasizing that thorough laboratory tests were necessary. The process began after doctors at The Nairobi Hospital identified symptoms consistent with Ebola, prompting the collection of a blood sample for testing. The sample was first tested at the National Virology Laboratory before being taken to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) laboratories.
Duale further explained that the results were also shared with the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further verification. According to him, the confirmation from the laboratories was received by Sunday evening, explaining the delay between detection of the suspected case and confirmation. The CS made the clarification at Nairobi Hospital as he outlined measures being taken by the government to contain the disease and prevent possible transmission.
The government has been working to expand isolation and treatment capacity across the country. The main isolation and treatment centre has 133 beds, including nearly 45 High Dependency Unit and Intensive Care Unit beds. The government is also collaborating with public, private and faith-based health facilities to increase their capacity should the situation evolve.
Five facilities near the Uganda border have been identified as temporary isolation centres for suspected cases. These include Malaba Health Centre, Busia Border and Kocholia, which the government plans to establish within the next 10 to 14 days. Alupe Sub-District Hospital in Busia County is also undergoing renovations to enable it to handle Ebola cases as a first point of care for patients crossing into Kenya.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, screening of travellers from countries considered close to the Ebola epicentre has been intensified. Gate 16 has been designated for passengers and aircraft arriving from 10 countries — Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Central African Republic.
The Ministry of Health has admitted 10 people to quarantine while contact tracing has further identified some 57 persons. Duale warned travellers against providing false information on health declaration forms, saying doing so would constitute an offence under the Public Health Act. The government has urged Kenyans to remain calm but vigilant, observe strict hand hygiene, avoid contact with people showing symptoms and promptly report suspected cases or possible exposure to health authorities.
The ministry has provided various channels for members of the public to obtain information, including official MoH platforms, a toll-free 719 hotline, and WhatsApp support through 0700 719 719.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has identified 23 isolation and treatment centres across the country.
- Health authorities have intensified screening of travellers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
- The government has urged Kenyans to remain calm but vigilant and observe strict hygiene practices.
