Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Health, announced that all 59 individuals suspected of Ebola infection in Kenya have tested negative, providing relief to the public.
During a health inspection at the Busia-Malaba border on June 6, PS Muthoni shared the update as Kenya escalates surveillance measures at critical entry points, with Malaba handling 1,500 to 2,000 travelers daily.
“All 59 individuals suspected of having Ebola have tested negative, which is comforting news, but we cannot lower our guard,” PS Muthoni stated.
She highlighted the strain on border systems, noting that approximately 300 trucks enter Malaba each day, establishing it as one of the most congested and high-risk entry points.
The PS emphasized that the government maintains strict surveillance despite the negative findings, considering the region’s vulnerability.
Malaba, situated directly on the Kenya-Uganda border, is now under enhanced monitoring following Uganda’s confirmed Ebola cases, causing concern among health authorities.
PS Muthoni explained that the intensified surveillance stems from Kenya’s proximity to Uganda, stressing that the country remains at elevated risk and must remain exceptionally cautious.
Border screening is currently operational, with health officials collaborating with enforcement teams to verify all travelers before entry to the country.
Muthoni, however, expressed apprehension regarding traveler uncooperativeness during screening, calling on the public to prioritize this essential procedure.
In addition to screening, PS Muthoni reinforced the necessity of quarantine facilities across all 47 counties, a development the ministry is diligently working to implement.
“If we had 47 quarantine facilities in our nation, I could rest peacefully. However, I remain concerned as we require these centers at any expense,” PS Muthoni remarked.
“We need locations to quarantine and isolate confirmed cases, as well as a place to monitor exposed individuals.”
This situation arises in the context of counties near the Busia-Malaba border, which face similar challenges.
Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases to date, including two fatalities. The virus appears to have spread through local transmission, with most cases occurring in Kampala and the adjacent Wakiso district.