Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured Kenyans that the country is not experiencing an Ebola outbreak following the confirmation of one imported case from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Duale gave the assurance on Wednesday, October 7, while touring Nairobi Hospital’s 133-bed Ebola Isolation Unit.
The patient who tested positive for Ebola died on October 6, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and contact tracing.
The Ministry of Health has so far identified 57 people who had contact with the patient.
Ten of the contacts have been traced and placed under quarantine at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi, while efforts to locate and follow up with the remaining contacts are ongoing.
Duale also reviewed the country’s preparedness to isolate and manage suspected and confirmed Ebola cases at five designated facilities.
Kenyatta National Hospital has eight beds, including five intensive care beds, while Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital has 50 beds.
The National Police Service Hospital has 49 beds, Port Reitz Hospital has four beds, while Nairobi Hospital has 133 beds, including 45 high dependency and intensive care beds.
The government said the available capacity can be expanded if the need arises.
At Nairobi Hospital, the Ebola isolation unit is located away from the main hospital campus and has designated zones to prevent interaction between patients in the unit and other patients at the hospital.
Government Steps Up Screening at Border Points
The Ministry of Health is also strengthening preparedness at points of entry as it works to prevent further spread of the virus.
Temporary isolation centres have been identified at Malaba and Kocholia, while renovation work is ongoing at Alupe.
Traveller screening has also been intensified at Gate 16, particularly for passengers arriving from the DRC, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, the Central African Republic and South Sudan.
Travellers have been urged to complete health declaration forms truthfully and provide accurate information to help health officials with surveillance and contact tracing.
The Ministry has called on Kenyans to remain vigilant but avoid panic.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about possible exposure has been advised to seek medical attention promptly at a recognised health facility.
Members of the public can also call the toll-free health information line 719 for guidance and follow official Ministry of Health platforms for updates.
Duale was accompanied during the tour by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Felix Osano and senior Ministry officials.