NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has tightened screening measures at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola following the country’s first confirmed case.
Visitors arriving from 10 African countries considered to be at higher risk of Ebola transmission will now be directed through a designated gate at the airport.
Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni said the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Angola, Central African Republic, Zambia and Tanzania have been designated as higher-risk countries.
Muthoni announced the measures after touring JKIA on Wednesday afternoon to assess Kenya’s preparedness and introduce additional protocols.
Gate 16 Designated For High-Risk Countries
Under the new measures, Gate 16 at JKIA will serve passengers arriving from the 10 countries.
Passengers will undergo stringent screening as part of enhanced surveillance at the country’s main international gateway.
The measures are intended to help health authorities identify potential cases early and prevent further transmission.
Kenya has also expanded its passenger health declaration requirements.
Previously, passengers arriving in the country were required to complete health-related forms. Under the new protocols, passengers leaving Kenya will also be required to complete forms providing a health status update before departure.
Travellers To Declare Health Status
Muthoni said passengers arriving in Kenya will be required to provide information on their verified health status and any treatment they may have received during the previous month.
The information will help health authorities identify travellers who may have been ill or undergone treatment before entering the country.
According to Muthoni, the requirement follows concerns raised by the circumstances surrounding Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola case, in which the patient reportedly disclosed having been unwell and receiving medication.
Kenyans Advised To Revive COVID-Era Precautions
The government has also urged members of the public to reduce physical contact as part of measures to limit the potential spread of the virus.
Kenyans have been advised to revive precautions used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including avoiding handshakes and hugs where possible.
Health authorities are also encouraging greater attention to personal hygiene and other preventive measures as surveillance is intensified.
Africa CDC Commends Kenya
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has commended Kenya for strengthening its preparedness and called for swift action to prevent the virus from spreading.
The enhanced measures at JKIA come as Kenya continues to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and preparedness following confirmation of its first Ebola case.
Authorities have continued to urge the public to remain calm, follow official health guidance and avoid spreading unverified information about the outbreak.
