NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya does not have an active Ebola outbreak, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni says, after health authorities managed one imported case that ended in the patient’s death.
In a message to Kenyans, Muthoni said the patient had been safely buried in line with health protocols. She urged the public to stay calm and maintain good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and clean water.
She also advised Kenyans to avoid contact with suspected cases and report symptoms through official health channels.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on October 6.
The patient was a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo before travelling to Nairobi. The Ministry of Health said the patient died that day.
The confirmation led to contact tracing and enhanced surveillance. Health officials said on October 7 that they had identified 57 contacts and placed 10 people under quarantine for monitoring.
A separate suspected case later tested negative for Ebola, Reuters reported on October 8.
Muthoni’s message echoes Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s earlier statement that Kenya had managed an imported case but did not have an Ebola outbreak.
The ministry has said it is maintaining preparedness and contact tracing while urging the public to rely on official information.
