Bungoma: The Department of Health in Bungoma County has set up Ebola isolation and quarantine centres in three health facilities as a preparedness measure aimed at preventing a possible outbreak of the deadly viral disease in the area. The facilities include the Bungoma County Referral Hospital (BCRH), Lwakhakha Health Centre, and Webuye County Hospital, which have been equipped to receive and manage suspected Ebola cases.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Director of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Caleb Watta, stated that health officials have intensified disease surveillance and screening activities along key border entry points along the Kenya-Uganda border. He emphasized that Ebola presents symptoms such as fever, body weakness, and general discomfort, urging residents to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any suspicious symptoms and to report suspected cases to health authorities without fail.
Dr. Watta noted that Bungoma is among the counties at high risk because it borders countries that have reported cases of the disease. Therefore, there is a need to intensify surveillance and screening of travelers from the affected areas. Continuous screening of travelers is ongoing at the Lwakhakha border post, a point of entry between Kenya and Uganda, with health workers mobilized to work closely with communities to ensure early detection and reporting of any suspected cases.
To strengthen response capacity, the County government is collaborating with the Kenya Red Cross and Dumisha Afya in creating awareness and providing equipment and supplies needed to manage suspected cases. ‘Healthcare workers are undergoing training and capacity-building programs to enhance their ability to handle suspected infections safely and effectively,’ Dr. Watta added.
