NAIROBI, Kenya – The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised Kenya and other countries against imposing travel or trade restrictions following the confirmation of Kenya’s first reported Ebola case.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation was closely monitoring the situation and would verify any travel and trade measures introduced in response to the outbreak.
“WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, the affected countries based on the currently available information,” Ghebreyesus said in a statement on Tuesday, October 6.
He also urged other countries not to impose restrictions on travel to or trade with Kenya and other affected countries based on the information currently available.
The WHO chief said the organisation would continue monitoring measures taken by countries in response to the epidemic.
WHO Steps Up Support For Kenya
Ghebreyesus said WHO was supporting Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with contact tracing, surveillance, screening and other response measures.
The aim is to identify people who may have come into contact with the confirmed case and prevent further transmission of the virus.
“WHO is supporting the governments of Kenya, the DRC, and Uganda in contact tracing, surveillance, screening, and other response measures to rapidly identify potential cases and prevent further spread of the virus,” he said.
The WHO intervention came a day after Kenya confirmed its first reported Ebola case involving a patient who had travelled from the DRC through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi.
Ebola Patient Died After Treatment
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient had lived and worked in the DRC for seven years before falling ill about a month ago.
The patient received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC before travelling by road through Uganda while returning to Kenya.
He later arrived in Nairobi, where he was treated before being confirmed to have Ebola. The patient subsequently died from the disease.
Ruto Convenes National Security Council
President William Ruto has meanwhile convened the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to assess the Ebola situation and coordinate the national response.
According to a State House statement issued on Tuesday, Ruto directed a multi-agency team to trace everyone who may have been exposed to the deceased, including family members, healthcare workers and fellow passengers.
The NSCC is also expected to recommend measures to protect the country and prevent further spread of the virus.
The government has been working with health authorities and international partners to strengthen surveillance at points of entry and monitor people who may have been exposed.
Ebola Symptoms And Warning Signs
Ebola symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure.
Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe illness can also cause bleeding.
People who develop symptoms after possible exposure should avoid contact with others and seek medical attention immediately.
The government has urged the public to remain vigilant while health authorities continue with surveillance, contact tracing and other containment measures.
