Kenya's Ministry of Health has expressed concerns over measures taken by Saudi Arabia in response to the Ebola outbreak in the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that the measures were excessive and did not reflect the progress made in containing the outbreak. According to Duale, Kenya has contained the outbreak with no evidence of community transmission and no new infections reported since October 19.
The initial Ebola case in Kenya was imported, and health authorities successfully traced all 135 people who came into contact with the patient. Of these, 118 were placed under quarantine as part of containment measures. Duale said all eight confirmed cases were linked to the initial patient, with four involving healthcare workers and the other four close family members. The Ministry of Health has recorded two deaths, including the index patient, since the outbreak was confirmed.
Seven patients remained under medical care and were responding well to treatment. Five of them had already returned their first negative Ebola test results after completing treatment and were awaiting a second test scheduled for November 2. Duale expressed optimism that the five patients would be discharged on November 3, alongside an additional 46 contacts who have been under quarantine but have not developed any symptoms.
The Ministry of Health said the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs would continue engaging Saudi Arabia over the measures, signalling diplomatic efforts to address concerns surrounding the restrictions. Duale urged the international community to support Kenya's response rather than impose restrictions that could isolate the country. He emphasized that Kenya requires support and collaboration, not condemnation, travel restrictions, or isolation.
The Cabinet Secretary thanked Kenyans for their cooperation during the outbreak, saying the country had demonstrated leadership and transparency in managing the public health emergency. The statement comes amid concerns over the international implications of the Ebola outbreak, with the government insisting that containment efforts remain on course and that there is no evidence the disease has spread beyond the identified cluster.
Duale reiterated that the government's response was yielding results, arguing that the measures imposed by Saudi Arabia did not reflect the progress made in containing the outbreak. The Ministry of Health is monitoring 46 contacts who have been under quarantine but have not developed any symptoms, with 20 others having already completed quarantine and been released.
The Health Ministry's efforts to contain the outbreak have been commended, with Duale saying, "Together as a united people we shall overcome." The Ministry will continue to engage with the international community to address concerns and ensure that Kenya receives the necessary support to manage the public health emergency.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health has protested Saudi Arabia's Ebola measures, saying they are excessive and not supported by the country's current epidemiological situation.
- Kenya has contained the Ebola outbreak with no evidence of community transmission and no new infections reported since October 19.
- The Ministry of Health will continue to engage with the international community to address concerns and ensure that Kenya receives the necessary support to manage the public health emergency.
