The Ministry of Health is on high alert following the discovery of the deadly Ebola Virus in neighbouring Uganda on January 30, 2025.
In a statement on Friday, January 31, 2025, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the country was aware of the discovery of the virus in Uganda and that entry points with Uganda have been secured for close screening of people moving in and out.
“The Ministry of Health’s attention has been drawn to a press statement by Uganda’s Ministry of Health that was released on 30th January 2025 confirming an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala, Uganda,” PS Muthoni noted.
“In view of this, we would like to assure the public that the Ministry of Health remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans. Consequently, a rapid assessment of the country’s capacity to respond to a similar outbreak is underway, shortly after which a comprehensive plan will be developed to guide countrywide preparedness and response activities for Ebola. As a precautionary measure, surveillance systems have been enhanced in all counties and points of entry.”
The Ministry advised that Ebola virus disease (EBV) is a highly virulent and often fatal viral disease, with reported case fatality rates of up to 90 per cent.
About Ebola Virus Disease
Transmission of EBV can occur following close contact with both Ebola virus-infected humans or animals and animal products.
The disease spreads amongst people via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes), blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials such as beddings and clothing contaminated with infected fluids.
The virus can easily spread to family members or healthcare providers who is not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while caring for someone who is ill with EVD or while handling the body of someone who has died of the disease.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of Ebola begin abruptly and are characterized by fever, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting and body malaise.
Hemorrhagic manifestations (bleeding tendencies from body orifices) of the disease appear in the later stages of the disease, as it progresses.
Ministry advisory
To prevent the virus from spreading, the Ministry has stated that persons displaying symptoms of EVD must be taken immediately to a health facility for immediate medical care.
Also, the Ministry has cautioned against administering home treatment to individuals exhibiting EVD symptoms.
“Once you are at a hospital or treatment centre, health professionals and support personnel will provide you with whatever help is needed for your recovery or that of your loved ones. Seeking care early when you are sick will improve your chance of survival and limit the risk that you will transmit the disease to your loved ones,” the Ministry said.
In the case of fatalities, the Ministry noted that burial teams will be trained to give the deceased individuals a decent send-off without the performance of rituals which permit contact with dead bodies including washing of corpses.
The Ministry has advised Kenyans to avoid contact with dead animals, meats, bodily fluids and also unprotected sexual interactions.
The hotline numbers for contacting the Ministry in case of reported cases of the virus are 0729 47 14 14, ог 0732 35 35 35.
