Nairobi:Kenya has intensified its response to the Ebola outbreak after the number of contacts linked to the country’s first confirmed imported case rose to 57, according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
According to Kenya News Agency, Duale announced that two additional contacts were identified, raising the total from the initial 55. Ten of these contacts have been traced and are currently under quarantine at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi, where they are undergoing daily symptom monitoring.
Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case on October 6. The case was identified and diagnosed by health workers at The Nairobi Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. The patient subsequently died and was given a safe and dignified burial, organized by the Ministry and the Kenya Red Cross Society in accordance with public health protocols.
Duale stated that the government has designated five health facilities to manage Ebola cases, with a combined capacity of 141 beds. These facilities include Kenyatta National Hospital with eight beds, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital with 50 beds, National Police Hospital with 49 beds, Portreitz Hospital with four beds, and The Nairobi Hospital with 130 beds. He noted that capacity would increase as more facilities are established in response to the evolving situation.
In addition, five other facilities, such as Malaba Health Centre, Busia Border, and Kocholia, have been designated as temporary isolation centers for suspected cases. Alupe Sub-District Hospital in Busia County is undergoing renovations to manage Ebola cases effectively.
The Health Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing strict hand hygiene and avoiding contact with people exhibiting symptoms. He encouraged anyone experiencing symptoms or who may have been exposed to Ebola to seek immediate care at recognized health facilities and report suspected cases to health authorities.
The Ministry of Health has also enhanced screening of travelers arriving from Ebola-affected areas at Gate 16 of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other entry points across the country. Duale advised the public to rely on official Ministry of Health platforms for accurate information and use the toll-free line 719 for inquiries.
He reassured the public that the Ministry of Health is committed to protecting people from public health threats and will continue to update them on measures being implemented to mitigate the spread of the disease.
