NAIROBI, Kenya- Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has briefed diplomats, international organisations and development partners on Kenya’s response to its first confirmed imported Ebola case, saying the country remains open to travel, tourism, trade and investment.
Duale said 57 people linked to the patient, including passengers, crew and others associated with the aircraft, had been accounted for and were under monitoring.
The patient, who travelled to Kenya from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), died on October 6.
“The single imported case does not, on its own, indicate widespread transmission,” Duale said, adding that the response was guided by epidemiological data, scientific advice and public health protocols.
The briefing brought together members of the Diplomatic Corps and development partners as the government sought to update them on surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and the country’s capacity to isolate and treat suspected cases.
Duale said the National Incident Management System had been active since May, with national and county emergency structures on high alert.
Surveillance has been intensified at health facilities, in communities and across 15 points of entry.
More than 652,000 travellers have been screened, while 4,971 health workers have received Ebola preparedness and response training.
Kenya has designated isolation, treatment and quarantine facilities with a combined capacity of 241 beds, according to Duale.
He said 268 samples had been tested through the country’s laboratory network, with results available in about six to 12 hours.
The government has also mobilised personal protective equipment and other response supplies, with support from the World Health Organization, the United States, India, IGAD, Africa CDC and other partners.
Kenya is coordinating with the DRC and Uganda on the response.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr Ouma Oluga, Mary Muthoni and Korir Sing’Oei, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, WHO Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo and United Nations Resident Coordinator Dr Garry Conille.
Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director Habil Waswani, Jambojet Board Chair Ayisi Makatiani, heads of diplomatic missions and development partners also attended.
The Ministry of Health has said the confirmed case was imported from the DRC and that contact tracing and surveillance have been intensified.
Duale urged international partners and the public to rely on verified health information.
He said the government’s focus remained early detection, safe isolation, rapid testing and comprehensive contact tracing.
