Hours After Ebola Patient Dies in Nairobi, Details Emerge on How Many Kenyans Have Been Quarantained

Kenya has intensified its response to Ebola after health authorities identified 57 people who may have come into contact with the country’s first confirmed Ebola patient, with 10 already placed in quarantine.

The development comes after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) died in Nairobi after testing positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The patient arrived in Kenya on October 3 after travelling from the DRC through Kampala, Uganda.

According to the Ministry of Health, contact tracing has now been expanded as officials work to identify everyone who may have been exposed to the deceased or his close associates.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the number of contacts could increase as health teams continue their investigations. Authorities have also heightened surveillance at 15 points of entry and activated health facilities in areas considered vulnerable to the spread of the virus.

The government has maintained that Kenya is not experiencing an Ebola outbreak, describing the situation as an imported case under management. Health officials have urged the public to remain calm while observing recommended preventive measures.

The Ministry says more than 652,000 travellers have already been screened since Kenya heightened its Ebola preparedness. Thousands of healthcare workers have also received training on prevention, detection and management of the disease.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged Kenyans to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports. Members of the public have also been advised to maintain good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with people showing concerning symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.

As contact tracing continues, authorities are closely monitoring those identified as being at risk in an effort to prevent further transmission.

Miles.ke feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com