Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has dismissed reports that a man in Wajir County is suspected of suffering from Ebola. The reports claimed the man had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and was receiving treatment in Wajir. Duale said the claims are not true. The Star had sought comment from Duale on the reports, which had circulated online.
According to the reports, the man, a resident of Wajir, had developed severe illness and failed to respond to treatment. He was admitted to a nursing home with symptoms including fever, headache, and cough, as well as severe anaemia. His haemoglobin level was reportedly 4g/dL. The reports further alleged that he had travelled by trailer through several countries, spending about five days in different locations and seeking medical treatment.
The man later travelled through Nairobi and Isiolo before arriving at his residence in Wajir, where he was reportedly treated for pneumonia and septicaemia for about three days without improvement. There has been no confirmation that the man has Ebola. The government has been on high alert for the disease, with surveillance and rapid response teams on the ground.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease, with the patient dying while receiving treatment in Nairobi. The deceased was safely buried in accordance with established public health protocols. The government said it has screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories as of October 6.
Of the 267 samples tested, only one had returned positive, that of the deceased patient. No additional positive cases had been detected as of Tuesday. A total of 4,971 healthcare workers have been trained at national and sub-national levels in Ebola prevention, detection, and management.
The government has designated several facilities to manage Ebola Virus Disease, including Kenyatta National Hospital, with eight beds; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, with 50 beds; National Police Hospital, with 49 beds; and The Nairobi Hospital, with 143 beds. The capacity would be expanded, with additional facilities designated as the situation evolves.
The government has urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, observe strict hand hygiene, and avoid contact with people exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola. The public was advised to report anyone with symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.
Key points
- Health CS Aden Duale denied reports of a suspected Ebola case in Wajir County.
- The government has screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples for Ebola.
- Several facilities have been designated to manage Ebola Virus Disease.
