A health worker disinfects at an Ebola treatment centre in the Bulape health zone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Oct. 17, 2025. (World Health Organization/Handout via Xinhua)The government has directed all county governments to immediately enhance
surveillance and emergency preparedness measures following a confirmed outbreak
of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) and an imported case reported in neighbouring Uganda.
In a statement on Saturday, Health PS Mary Muthoni warned counties
to activate rapid response mechanisms amid heightened regional movement of
people and goods.
According to the Ministry of Health, the
outbreak in Ituri Province in eastern DRC has so far recorded 246 suspected
cases and 65 deaths, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara Health Zones.
Laboratory investigations conducted by the
Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa confirmed Ebola
infection in 13 out of 20 tested samples.
The
PS noted that Uganda confirmed an imported case
involving a 59-year-old Congolese national who travelled from DRC to Kampala
seeking medical care.
The patient was admitted at Kibuli Muslim
Hospital on May 11 and later died on May 14 while undergoing treatment.
In a circular addressed to County Executive
Committee Members for Health, County Directors of Health and Chief Officers for Health, and Principal Secretary for Public Health and PS Muthoni assured Kenyans that no Ebola case has been reported
in the country so far.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to assure all
Kenyans that, as of today, no confirmed or suspected case of Ebola virus disease has been detected within the Republic of Kenya,” the PS said.
“However, owing to the significant movement of
persons and goods within the East and Central African region, all County
Governments are hereby directed to immediately activate and enhance
preparedness and response measures.”
The PS directed counties to intensify
screening and surveillance at airports, airstrips, seaports, land border
crossings and transit points.
County governments were also instructed to
strengthen community-based surveillance systems to facilitate early detection
and reporting of suspected cases.
PS Muthoni called for the activation of County Rapid Response
Teams and County Emergency Operations Centres to ensure swift investigation and
containment of any suspected infections.
She said counties must also strengthen infection prevention and
control measures by ensuring adequate supply and proper use of personal
protective equipment in all healthcare facilities.
“Strengthen triage, screening, isolation, and
referral systems across all health facilities,” the PS stated.
The Ministry additionally instructed counties
to intensify public awareness campaigns on Ebola symptoms, prevention and
reporting mechanisms while countering misinformation and panic.
Healthcare workers across the country are also
expected to undergo refresher training on Ebola case identification, case
management, infection prevention and safe burial procedures.
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe viral illness
spread through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person,
contaminated materials or infected wild animals.
Common symptoms include high fever, fatigue,
headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and unexplained
bleeding or bruising.
“The Government of Kenya remains fully
committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all persons living in the
country,” she said.
The
Ministry said it continues to monitor the situation closely in collaboration
with regional and international health partners.
