Nairobi: Busia County has heightened surveillance and screening measures at the Busia border point following concerns over the Ebola outbreak reported in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health officials say the county is on high alert to prevent the virus from entering Kenya through the busy border crossing.
According to Kenya News Agency, Busia Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Arthur Odera, said the county has established strict screening measures for all incoming travelers. Speaking during an assessment of preparedness at the Port Health Unit at the Busia border point, he emphasized the continuous efforts to screen passengers for Ebola symptoms round-the-clock. The county has engaged the Red Cross to set up a screening unit specifically for pedestrians, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of incoming traffic.
Odera noted the county government’s commitment to safeguarding residents and travelers using the border. Steps include providing adequate handwashing stations and sanitizers to enhance response efforts. He stressed the importance of public awareness, calling on media support for education on Ebola symptoms and prevention measures. The county has also identified an isolation center to manage any suspected cases and is collaborating with Ugandan officials to track the movement and travel history of individuals entering Kenya.
Busia County Clearing and Forwarding Chairman Joseph Ouma expressed concerns about the increased risk faced by workers at the border, urging for mandatory screening of all individuals crossing the border. Currently, only bus passengers are being screened, leaving pedestrians unchecked. Ouma advocates for comprehensive screening and training for clearing agents to aid in public awareness efforts.
Cross-border traders, like businesswoman Rose Ochieng, have echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of stronger preventive measures to protect both traders and the wider community. Regular cross-border interactions heighten the risk, and Ochieng calls for effective screening mechanisms to safeguard the business community.
Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have risen to 600, with 139 reported deaths.
