NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya is on high alert following the outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in Kampala, Uganda.
Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, has, however, assured the public that her ministry remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans.
“Consequently, a rapid assessment of the country’s capacity to respond to a similar outbreak is underway, shortly after which a comprehensive plan will be developed to guide countrywide preparedness and response activities for Ebola,” said the PS.
In a statement, PS Muthoni said that as a precautionary measure, surveillance systems have been enhanced in all counties and points of entry.
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Uganda’s Ministry of Health confirmed an outbreak of Ebola in the country.
This followed the confirmation from 3 National Reference Laboratories.
The Ministry of Health said it was in full control of the outbreak and all measures are in place to ensure that the population is protected.
“The Ministry of Health would like to reassure the public that we are in full control of the situation and continue to safeguard and guard the lives of all people in Uganda. Please report any suspected case of Ebola to our toll-free line, 0800-100-066 or the nearest health facility,” said Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, during a press conference.
What is Ebola Virus Disease (EBV)
Y News understands that Ebola Virus Disease (EBV) is a highly virulent and often fatal viral disease, with reported case fatality rates of up to 90%.
Transmission of EBV can occur following close contact with both Ebola virus-infected humans or animals and animal products.
The disease speeds amongst people via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes), blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing contaminated with infected fluids.
The virus can easily spread to family members or healthcare providers who are not wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while caring for someone who is ill with EVD or handling the body of someone who has died of the disease.
Signs and symptoms of Ebola begin abruptly and are characterised by fever, headache, diarrhoea, vomiting and body malaise. Hemorrhagic manifestations (bleeding tendencies from body orifices) of the disease appear in the later stages of the disease as it progresses.
All we know about MoH’s public advisory
The MoH has advised the general public on the following to mitigate against the possible importation, spread and control of an outbreak of Ebola in the country.
- To protect yourself, your family and your community, make sure anyone showing symptoms of EVD is immediately taken to a health facility for immediate medical care.
- Do not treat patients at home. If you or someone in your family or community has symptoms of EVD, seek immediate medical assistance from health facilities with qualified health professionals for safe and appropriate care.
- Once you are at a hospital or treatment centre, health professionals and support personnel will provide you with whatever help is needed for your recovery or that of your loved ones.
- People who have died from EVD should receive a safe and dignified burial. It is very important to not touch or wash the body of anyone who has died with symptoms suggestive of EVD.
- Burial teams have been trained and will be deployed to facilitate safe burials of persons who succumb to the disease while allowing you to mourn in an acceptable and dignified way. The burial teams might advise that you not perform some rituals that would involve touching, washing or kissing the body.
- Make sure to follow and apply the advice given by your recommended health measures and advisories to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease.
- To stop transmission, people who had close contact with an EVD patient will be identified as contacts by public health authorities. They will have their health monitored for 21 days. This allows for early detection of the disease and early access to care in the event they develop symptoms, which improves their chance of survival and reduces the risk of transmission to others.
- Additionally, you are advised to avoid contact with live and dead wild animals, including meat, faeces and bodily fluids, as well as unprotected sexual activities.
“We strongly advise the general public to follow these public health measures and seek medical attention in the nearest public health facility if experiencing any Ebola-like symptoms,” PS Muthoni added.
MoH also encouraged the public to seek accurate information from qualified healthcare workers, community health promoters or from MoH.
How the Ebola outbreak has rattled the Ugandan government
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has activated the Incident Management Team and dispatched Rapid Response Teams to both Mbale City and Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga.
The Ministry has also embarked on a contact listing whereby 44 contacts have been listed (30 Health workers and patients from Mulago, 11 Family Members of the deceased, and 4 health workers from Saidina Abubakar Islamic Hospital in Matugga.
According to the Ministry, the deceased will be accorded a safe and dignified burial to prevent the spread of the disease.
Additionally, vaccination of all contacts against EVD is set to commence immediately targeting contacts of the deceased.
