Relief in Wajir after suspected Ebola case tests negative

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi addressing residents in Wajir town on Thursday /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Residents of Wajir county can breath with a sign of relief after tests on a 20-year-old man suspected of Ebola returned negative results, easing fears of a possible outbreak in the county.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi said preliminary laboratory results had ruled out Ebola in the patient. He had been isolated at Habaswein Subcounty Hospital in Wajir South after presenting with a severe febrile illness and a history of travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Uganda.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Abdullahi said health officials had acted swiftly after the patient’s clinical presentation and travel history raised concerns, triggering precautionary measures in line with established public health protocols.

“I am pleased to report that the preliminary laboratory results indicate that the sample is negative for Ebola Virus Disease,” the governor said.

The results offer relief to residents and health authorities who had been monitoring the case amid concerns over the possibility of importing the deadly viral disease through cross-border travel.

However, the county government said the patient would continue to receive medical care and be monitored by health officials as they follow established public health procedures.

The governor commended health workers at Habaswein Subcounty Hospital, county medical services, public health and sanitation officials and the Ministry of Health for their vigilance and prompt response.

“Their action demonstrates that Wajir county is ready and able to respond to public health threats,” Abdullahi said.

The governor also cautioned residents against spreading unverified information about the case, warning that speculation could cause unnecessary fear and panic.

He urged the public to rely on official updates from the county government and the Ministry of Health, while encouraging anyone experiencing unusual signs of illness to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest health facility.

The suspected case had raised concern because of the patient’s recent movements across several countries before arriving in Wajir.

The man who hails from Habaswein, reportedly developed fever and headache on September 2 while in the DRC, where he had been working as a turn boy on a cargo truck.

He subsequently travelled by road through Uganda and entered Kenya via Malaba before proceeding to Nairobi and Isiolo. He eventually arrived in Habaswein around September 20.

After becoming unwell, he sought treatment at Hilac Medical Clinic in Habaswein, where he was reportedly treated for pneumonia and septicaemia for three days. His condition failed to improve, prompting his transfer to Albadar Nursing Home for further medical attention.

At Albadar Nursing Home, the patient was found to have severe anaemia, with a reported haemoglobin level of four grammes per decilitre. He received two units of blood, alongside intravenous antibiotics and paracetamol, but remained clinically unwell, prompting further assessment and precautionary isolation.

His severe illness, coupled with his travel history from the DRC through Uganda, led health workers to consider Ebola among the conditions requiring investigation and to collect samples for specialised laboratory testing.

The specimen was referred to the National Public Health Virology Laboratory in Nairobi for analysis, with the preliminary results subsequently returning negative for Ebola.

Although the findings have eased immediate concerns over the suspected infection, the county government has maintained that the patient will remain under medical observation and receive appropriate care.

Wajir’s health authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation in coordination with the national government, while residents have been urged to remain vigilant without resorting to alarm or spreading unconfirmed reports.

Abdullahi said timely reporting of unusual illnesses and reliance on verified public health information remain critical in protecting communities from potential health threats.

Wajir governor Ahmed Abdullahi with other leaders in Wajir town on Thursday. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Residents of Wajir going about their businesses./STEPHEN ASTARIKO.Love Health? Stay Connected!Be part of an exclusive group of enthusiasts! Get fresh content, expert advice and exciting updates in your inbox with our health newsletter.