Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has revealed that Kenya is establishing quarantine zones at its border crossings to prevent potential Ebola cases from entering from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a press briefing on May 27, Duale confirmed that authorities have deployed screening and verification teams at all major border crossings, with mobile testing facilities now active at the Kenya-Uganda and Kenya-South Sudan border points.
Through rigorous screening and verification, we are establishing quarantine zones within the border in case of any confirmed cases. The nation is fully prepared to handle this situation, stated Duale.
The Cabinet Secretary also confirmed that three national laboratories are operating continuously, conducting Ebola tests seven days a week, as part of Kenya’s comprehensive approach to early detection and isolation of cases.
Additionally, he revealed that the government is monitoring individuals who have traveled to the affected region in the past month, with officials actively tracking and testing such people nationwide.
Thirdly, we are conducting extensive contact tracing. Anyone who has visited the affected region in the last month is being tested to ensure the protection of our nation, said Duale.
The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to take personal responsibility, advising families to monitor relatives who recently visited Uganda or the DRC and display any symptoms of illness.
If any of your relatives experience illness after visiting Uganda or the DRC, please seek medical attention at the nearest health facility so our healthcare professionals can evaluate them, urged Duale.
This response follows the ongoing spread of the deadly Ebola Sudan strain in neighboring Uganda, creating concern throughout East Africa and compelling health authorities to act before the virus crosses into Kenya.
Internationally, nations are considering arrangements for their Ebola-exposed citizens to be treated in Kenya.
To date, one American has been diagnosed with Ebola in the DRC, while at least six other Americans exposed to the virus have been evacuated from the area, though it remains uncertain if any additional US citizens have tested positive.
Kenya has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, despite having screened more than 48,000 individuals potentially exposed to the virus at multiple entry points and high-risk areas.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has issued a travel directive mandating enhanced health screening and preventive measures for all travelers, while commercial flight services to and from the country continue without interruption.