Kenya Identifies 57 Ebola Contacts as 10 Placed in Quarantine

Kenya Identifies 57 Ebola Contacts as 10 Placed in Quarantine

Kenya has identified 57 people who came into contact with the country’s first confirmed Ebola patient, with 10 already placed in quarantine as health authorities intensify contact tracing and surveillance.

The Ministry of Health said the remaining contacts are being traced and monitored as the government works to prevent further transmission of the virus.

The development comes a day after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease involving a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The patient travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on October 3. The patient was isolated after arriving in Nairobi but later died. The Ministry of Health confirmed the infection through laboratory testing.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the number of contacts could increase as investigations continue.

She spoke on Wednesday, October 7, during a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi.

“The ministry is working closely with the county governments and faith-based health facilities to strengthen preparedness and ensure that the country responds effectively should the number increase,” Muthoni said.

Ministry says Kenya has no Ebola outbreak

Muthoni sought to reassure the public that the confirmed case should not be interpreted as an Ebola outbreak in Kenya.

“We do not have an outbreak; we have an imported case which is under management,” she said.

The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant while relying on information issued through official government channels.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Kenya notified it of the imported Bundibugyo virus disease case on October 6. WHO said Kenya is the fourth country to confirm the disease during the current regional outbreak.

WHO said the patient had been treated at several health facilities in the DRC before travelling to Uganda and then Kenya. The organisation is supporting the government with surveillance, contact tracing, screening and other response measures.

Kenya expands Ebola quarantine capacity

Health Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth said Kenya’s health system remained on high alert and that additional capacity could be created if the need arises.

“Adequate quarantine capacity has been put in place, and makeshift facilities could be established in areas where the need arises as the response progresses,” Amoth said.

The Ministry of Health has identified isolation capacity at several facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, National Police Service Hospital, Port Reitz Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. The government said the available capacity can be expanded if necessary.

Ten contacts have so far been placed under quarantine at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi, while efforts continue to locate and follow up the remaining contacts.

Surveillance increased at entry points

Kenya has also intensified health screening at key points of entry, particularly for travellers arriving from countries affected by or considered at risk of Ebola transmission.

The Ministry said enhanced screening is being conducted at Gate 16 at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Temporary isolation centres have also been identified at Malaba and Kocholia, while the Alupe facility is undergoing renovation.

The government has urged travellers to complete health declaration forms truthfully and provide accurate information to support contact tracing.

WHO said Kenya had already screened more than 652,000 travellers and tested 267 suspected samples before the latest confirmation. Nearly 5,000 healthcare workers have also received training in Ebola prevention and case management.

The government is now asking Kenyans to remain calm, cooperate with health officials and report possible exposure or symptoms promptly as contact tracing continues.

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Kenya Identifies 57 Ebola Contacts as 10 Placed in Quarantine