Kenya has been placed on high alert following the World Health Organisation’s designation of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a “public health emergency of international concern.”
The global health authority issued a statement on Sunday, May 17 indicating the outbreak, attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, had already resulted in 80 deaths, with 246 suspected cases reported in Ituri province by Saturday.
Particularly concerning for Kenya, Uganda has documented confirmed cases associated with cross-border movement, including two infections and one fatality in Kampala.
The deceased individuals reportedly traveled to the DRC before contracting the virus.
While emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, WHO clarified that it has not yet reached the level of a global pandemic emergency. Nations sharing borders with the DRC have been advised to implement enhanced precautionary measures due to their increased vulnerability to transmission.
The Bundibugyo strain represents one of the less common but highly dangerous variants of Ebola.
Health authorities in the DRC have indicated that there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, with a potential mortality rate as high as 50 percent.
A significant concern for WHO is the possibility of undetected spread, evidenced by rising suspected cases and a high positivity rate from initial testing.
Medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) characterized the scenario as “extremely concerning,” announcing they are preparing a comprehensive emergency response to control the spread.
WHO has recommended that affected nations enhance surveillance capabilities, implement emergency response protocols, and improve cross-border screening, while advising against border closures which could lead to undocumented travel and complicate tracking efforts.
Following the WHO alert, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has activated enhanced preparedness measures in response to the outbreak.
The ministry has established a National Ebola Preparedness Team and elevated the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to high alert status to coordinate real-time monitoring and response activities.
Additionally, intensified screening has been implemented at airports, border crossings, and other entry points, while the government has expanded laboratory capabilities for the rapid detection of viral hemorrhagic fevers.
The ministry further noted that it is maintaining close cooperation with the WHO, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and other regional partners to prevent any potential spread into Kenya.