Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured the public and international community that the country remains safe despite a confirmed Ebola case. The case, which resulted in the patient's death, was imported and detected through the vigilance of health workers and the country's preparedness systems. Duale emphasized that the government has intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and emergency response measures to prevent further infections.
The patient, whose details have not been disclosed, was accorded a safe and dignified burial in accordance with established public health protocols. The government has identified 57 contacts, with those already accounted for placed under monitoring and quarantine. Health teams are working to trace the remaining contacts and ensure anyone developing symptoms is promptly identified, isolated, tested, and treated.
Duale addressed ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organizations in Nairobi, urging countries not to impose disproportionate travel and trade restrictions. He confirmed that the national Incident Management System had been active since May 2026, with national and county emergency coordination structures remaining on high alert.
The government has taken measures to enhance preparedness, including training 4,971 health workers in Ebola preparedness and response. Screening is ongoing at 15 points of entry into the country, with over 652,000 travelers screened cumulatively. Surveillance teams have investigated 263 alerts from 17 counties.
The government has designated isolation, treatment, and quarantine facilities at several hospitals, including Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, with a combined capacity of 241 beds. Five designated laboratories, including mobile laboratory capacity, are supporting testing, with results taking approximately six to 12 hours.
Duale called on international partners to support field operations, logistics, medical supplies, community engagement, and patient referral systems. He cautioned against decisions driven by unverified information, saying restrictions could cause economic disruption without necessarily improving public health protection.
The government has mobilized protective equipment for frontline health workers, including 1,000 personal protective equipment sets donated by the World Health Organisation and 6,000 from the Indian government. Duale encouraged airlines to maintain their operations, tourists to continue visiting Kenya, and businesses to sustain trade and investment.
Key points
- The government has intensified surveillance and contact tracing measures to prevent further Ebola infections.
- Kenya's Health CS Aden Duale has urged the international community to base its decisions on verified epidemiological information.
- The country has designated isolation, treatment, and quarantine facilities with a combined capacity of 241 beds.
