NAIROBI, Kenya – Canada has updated its travel advisory for Kenya following confirmation of an Ebola case in Nairobi linked to the ongoing Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), urging visitors to observe health precautions and monitor for symptoms.
The Canadian government has advised travellers to avoid healthcare facilities in affected areas unless they require urgent treatment, follow local health guidelines and maintain appropriate hygiene.
Visitors have also been told to monitor their health throughout their stay in Kenya and for 21 days after leaving the country.
“Monitor your health while in Kenya and for 21 days after you leave. If you develop symptoms of Ebola disease, isolate yourself from others and seek medical care right away,” the advisory stated.
Canada said the risk to most travellers remains low when recommended precautions are followed, but warned against contact with suspected Ebola patients, contaminated items and the bodies of people who have died from Ebola or unexplained illnesses.
Canada Issues Guidance As Countries Update Travel Advice
The advisory comes as several foreign governments update their health guidance following Kenya’s confirmed imported Ebola case.
The United States has advised potentially exposed citizens to monitor their health and seek medical advice if symptoms develop, while the United Kingdom has issued separate travel guidance concerning Ebola and advised against all but essential travel to some parts of Kenya, according to the information provided.
Canada’s latest guidance is in addition to its existing recommendation that travellers exercise a high degree of caution throughout Kenya because of terrorism threats and crime.
The country also maintains warnings against travel to several areas considered high-risk, including Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and parts of Lamu near the Somali border.
Other restricted areas include parts of Turkana and Marsabit near South Sudan and Ethiopia. Canada also discourages non-essential travel to Nairobi’s Kibera neighbourhood.
Kenya Intensifies Ebola Contact Tracing
On Thursday, October 8, Duale said the government was working to identify and monitor contacts linked to the imported case. The briefing cited 57 people identified, with 10 placed in quarantine.
The Ministry of Health has maintained that a single imported case does not, by itself, indicate a wider outbreak in the country.
Authorities have intensified surveillance and introduced enhanced screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for travellers arriving from 10 countries linked to the regional Ebola situation.
The measures are intended to help identify potential cases early and limit the risk of further transmission.
Travellers Urged To Watch For Symptoms
Canada’s guidance urges travellers to seek immediate medical attention and isolate themselves from others if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola during their stay or within 21 days of leaving Kenya.
The advisory also highlights the importance of avoiding contact with suspected cases and potentially contaminated materials.
Ebola response measures in Kenya remain focused on surveillance, contact tracing and screening, as health authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
Travellers have been encouraged to follow official guidance from Kenyan health authorities and their respective governments rather than rely on unverified reports.
