The Ministry of Health in Kenya has expressed concern over Saudi Arabia's extreme measures regarding the Ebola situation in the country. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that the measures taken by Saudi Arabia are excessive and not backed by the current epidemiological situation in Kenya. Kenya has contained the outbreak within a single cluster linked to an imported case, with no evidence of community transmission.
According to the Ministry of Health, all 135 people who had come into contact with the index patient had been traced, with 118 placed under quarantine as part of the containment measures. The Ministry further said it had not recorded a new infection since October 19, maintaining that the outbreak response was yielding results. As of the latest update, seven patients remained under care following the deaths of two people, including the index case.
The eight confirmed infections in Kenya were linked to the initial case, involving four healthcare workers and four close family members. Of those receiving treatment, five had returned an initial negative Ebola test after completing treatment and were awaiting a second test scheduled for November 2. The Ministry expressed optimism that the five would be discharged on November 3, alongside 46 contacts who had completed their quarantine period without developing symptoms.
A total of 66 people had been cleared from monitoring, including 20 contacts who had already been released from quarantine. The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs would continue engaging Saudi Arabia over the decision to suspend travel and halt visa issuance. Health CS Aden Duale called on the international community to support Kenya's response rather than impose restrictions, isolation, or condemnation.
Duale emphasized that Kenya had demonstrated transparency in managing the outbreak and thanked Kenyans for their cooperation. He stated that what Kenya required from the international community was support and collaboration, not condemnation, travel restrictions, or isolation. The Ministry is working to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
Saudi Arabia announced the restrictions on October 30, suspending travel by its citizens to Kenya and halting the issuance of all categories of visas to people arriving from the country. The measures also bar entry to travellers arriving directly from Kenya or through third countries if they had stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the 21 days preceding their arrival.
The Kenyan government is working to address the situation and ensure that the Ebola outbreak is brought under control. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide updates on the situation and work with international partners to contain the outbreak.
Key points
- The Ministry of Health has protested Saudi Arabia's decision to suspend travel and halt visa issuance due to the Ebola outbreak.
- Kenya has contained the outbreak within a single cluster linked to an imported case, with no evidence of community transmission.
- The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs will continue engaging Saudi Arabia over the decision to suspend travel and halt visa issuance.
