The Kenyan government has declared the Ebola virus a formidable epidemic disease, following the country's first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on October 6. The patient, a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, travelled through Uganda to Nairobi and died despite receiving supportive treatment. This prompted health authorities to strengthen screening at points of entry and trace people who may have come into contact with the patient.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale issued the declaration through a legal notice published in the Kenya Gazette on October 12, under Section 35 of the Public Health Act. The declaration establishes a legal framework for managing the disease, from identifying suspected infections and monitoring contacts to caring for patients and preventing exposure during burials. The new rules provide for screening at points of entry, medical assessment, isolation, referral, quarantine, and monitoring.
The regulations assign responsibilities to transport operators, health facilities, medical practitioners, and laboratories. Health authorities will conduct investigations and contact tracing, while designated health facilities will manage suspected and confirmed cases. The rules also provide for the inspection and decontamination of premises, as well as the safe and dignified disposal of bodies, burial procedures, record-keeping, transportation, and repatriation.
As of October 12, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Kenya had listed 127 contacts, with 94 in quarantine, and screened more than 665,000 travellers at points of entry. The WHO also supplied protective equipment and testing materials worth about $70,000 to support the response. The health agency has advised against travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo based on the available information.
The new rules address public communication, media houses' responsibilities in public sensitization, and assistance from enforcement agencies. They also provide for offences and penalties, although the Gazette extract does not specify the penalties for individual violations. The regulations cover the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.
According to the WHO, no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain, making early detection, isolation, supportive care, and contact tracing central to controlling its spread. Symptoms of the disease can include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. The incubation period ranges from two to 21 days.
The Kenyan government's move to declare Ebola a formidable epidemic disease and establish new rules aims to enhance the country's preparedness and response to the outbreak. The regulations will help prevent the spread of the disease and ensure a coordinated response from health authorities, transport operators, and other stakeholders. Key aspects of the regulations include enhanced screening, contact tracing, and isolation procedures.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has declared Ebola a formidable epidemic disease and introduced new rules for screening, isolation, and contact tracing.
- The regulations assign responsibilities to transport operators, health facilities, medical practitioners, and laboratories.
- The WHO has advised against travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
