Bad News for Kenyans as US Makes This Announcement Hours After First Ebola Case Reported in Kenya

The United States has issued health-related travel guidance concerning Kenya after the country confirmed its first imported case of Ebola.

The development comes as Kenya steps up measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

The patient travelled by road from Congo to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding a Jambojet flight to Nairobi on October 3. He was taken to a hospital after arriving in the country, where he was isolated and tested. He later died on October 5 despite receiving supportive treatment.

The U.S. travel guidance warns travellers coming from Ebola-affected countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, to check with their airlines or the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi for the latest requirements.

Travellers from affected and elevated-risk countries may also be required to complete a health surveillance form before leaving a Kenyan port of entry. Temperature screening may also be carried out.

Kenyan health authorities have meanwhile intensified contact tracing following the confirmed case. The Ministry of Health said 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, had been identified. Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight as the patient.

The government had already maintained heightened Ebola surveillance since May as the outbreak spread in the region. By October 6, Kenya had screened more than 652,000 travellers and tested 267 samples.

The World Health Organization is supporting Kenya as health officials work to contain the situation and prevent further transmission. More than 5,000 health workers have also received training on Ebola prevention and management.

The latest development has placed Kenya’s health surveillance efforts under close attention as authorities continue monitoring contacts and strengthening measures at key points of entry.

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