Ebola Outbreak: Govt Puts Nairobi, Mombasa On Notice

The Ministry of Health has said that Nairobi and Mombasa counties are high-risk entry points for the Ebola Virus Disease which broke out in Uganda.

Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth, during a press briefing on Tuesday, September 27 put the two counties on high alert as they host the Jomo Kenyatta and Moi International Airports, two of the main entry points into Kenya by international airlines.

Also earmarked are 18 counties which include those in the Nairobi Metropolitan region such as Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado and Nakuru, which all featured in the 'red zone' area during the COVID-19 pandemic and were subject to lockdowns.

Health acting Director General Patrick Amoth. /DAILY NATION

"Kenya needs to prevent the Ebola virus outbreak from spreading into the country, including stepping up surveillance for detection and preparedness for an appropriate response," Amoth stated, noting that the Ministry has deployed personnel in the aforementioned counties to track any possible cases.

Other counties include Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kericho, Bungoma, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, and Uasin Gishu.

Amoth also singled out Kisumu and Eldoret towns due to the presence of international airports and will be monitored. Kakuma was also named a high-risk area owing to the presence of Ugandan nationals.

The Ministry also advised Kenyans to be on the lookout for symptoms of the disease such as bleeding from body openings, a running stomach, high fever, a cough characterized by chest pains, and skin rash.

“​​Members of the public are advised to practise regular handwashing, wear face masks, and maintain social distance.

"Avoid touching or burial of dead bodies that have died of unknown causes unless confirmed by health authorities, and avoid contact or eating bush meat, especially from monkeys, bats, baboons, gorillas, and chimpanzees,” he added.

On Thursday, September 22, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya warned that Kenya and in particular, Trans-Nzoia specifically borders Uganda at Suam and as such, the county should be prepared to deal with any potential cases.

“It's my honour to appraise you on County preparedness following declaration of Ebola virus disease in Mubende District Uganda on 11th September 2022,” Natembeya stated.

“Our county is currently monitoring the situation with an aim of averting possible introduction of the disease, we anticipate a few challenges like the passage of travellers in undesignated crossing points and general logistics."