NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has stepped up public awareness efforts on Ebola by releasing an information flier highlighting the disease’s early signs and symptoms, urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
According to the Ministry, early recognition of Ebola can save lives, especially because the disease often begins with symptoms that resemble many common illnesses such as malaria, typhoid and meningitis, making diagnosis difficult in its initial stages.
The health advisory notes that Ebola has an incubation period of between two and 21 days. During this period, an infected person does not show symptoms and is generally not contagious until symptoms begin to appear.
“Early recognition can save lives. Be informed. Be safe,” the Ministry states in the public notice.
Among the symptoms highlighted are fever, chills, headache, joint pain, muscle pain, backache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, weakness and sore throat. These symptoms typically appear suddenly and may worsen as the disease progresses.
Health experts say the disease often starts with what are known as “dry symptoms” including fever, severe headache, muscle aches and fatigue before progressing to gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
The Ministry further warns that some patients may show signs of impaired kidney and liver function.
While bleeding is commonly associated with Ebola, MoH clarifies that it is less frequent and usually occurs in the later stages of the illness. This is consistent with guidance from the World Health Organization, which notes that internal and external bleeding does not occur in all Ebola patients.
To reduce the risk of infection, the Ministry is advising members of the public to wash their hands regularly, avoid direct contact with body fluids, use protective equipment when caring for sick individuals and seek medical care immediately if symptoms appear.
The advisory also cautions against handling bodies or participating in unsafe burial practices, which have historically contributed to Ebola transmission during outbreaks.
The World Health Organization describes Ebola as a severe and often fatal disease caused by viruses of the Orthoebolavirus genus.
The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected persons, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials.
The average fatality rate in past outbreaks has been about 50 per cent, although it has ranged from 25 to 90 per cent depending on the outbreak and access to medical care.
The Ministry’s latest awareness campaign comes as health authorities continue to emphasize preparedness, disease surveillance and public education as critical tools in preventing the spread of Ebola and protecting communities.
