As a new Ebola outbreak emerges, public health officials are racing to contain the virus and prevent widespread transmission.
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,” the PS stated.
Adding that; “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 disease, which has claimed thousands of lives in past epidemics, particularly in Central and West Africa, spreads rapidly without swift intervention.
Understanding how Ebola is transmitted and taking proactive safety measures are essential to protecting yourself and your community.
How Ebola spreads
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is caused by infection with a virus from the Filoviridae family.
Unlike airborne viruses, Ebola is primarily spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, faeces, urine, breast milk, or semen of an infected person.
The virus can also be transmitted through contaminated objects, such as needles or medical equipment, and by handling or consuming infected animals, including bats and primates.
Funeral practices that involve direct contact with the deceased have been linked to significant outbreaks.
Health workers and caregivers are at the highest risk due to close contact with infected individuals.
In past outbreaks, inadequate protective measures in hospitals and clinics have exacerbated the spread of the disease.
Recognizing the symptoms
Symptoms of Ebola can appear anywhere between two to 21 days after exposure, often beginning with flu-like signs such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue.
As the disease progresses, patients experience vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
Due to its high mortality rate, ranging from 25% to 90%, depending on the outbreak and medical intervention -early detection and isolation are critical to increasing survival chances.
Steps to protect yourself
Health authorities emphasize that while there is no cure for Ebola, preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection:
1. Practice strict hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
2. Avoid contact with bodily fluids: Do not touch the blood, vomit, or other secretions of an infected person.
3. Seek medical attention immediately: If you suspect exposure or develop symptoms, seek professional care at a designated health facility.
4. Refrain from handling bushmeat: Avoid consuming or coming into contact with wild animals that may carry the virus.
5. Follow health advisories: Comply with guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities, including travel restrictions and quarantine measures.
6. Use protective equipment: Healthcare workers and caregivers should wear gloves, masks, and full-body protective suits when treating infected individuals.
Vaccination efforts
Since the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa, which claimed over 11,000 lives, medical advancements have led to the development of Ebola vaccines.
The rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has proven effective in preventing infection and is deployed in outbreak zones.
However, accessibility remains a challenge, and swift action is necessary to curb the spread of new infections.
The World Health Organization, alongside governments and humanitarian organizations, is working to establish rapid response measures, including isolation centres, vaccination campaigns, and public education initiatives.
The way forward
Ebola remains a formidable public health threat, but lessons learned from past outbreaks have improved containment strategies.
While scientists continue to develop treatments, individual vigilance and community cooperation remain crucial in halting transmission.
With swift intervention, coordinated global efforts, and adherence to safety protocols, the spread of Ebola can be controlled, preventing further loss of life and ensuring public health security.
For the latest updates on the Ebola outbreak and safety measures, follow the Ministry of Health which regularly shares information through their official social media channels.
