NAIROBI, KENYA – The government has designated four laboratories to test suspected cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) as Kenya ramps up preparedness against potential public health emergencies.
The designated facilities are the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu and a mobile laboratory serving Busia and Bungoma.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said Kenya has not reported any case of Ebola, with all suspected cases tested so far returning negative results.
The government said the laboratory network is part of wider measures to strengthen Kenya’s ability to quickly detect and respond to any potential Ebola outbreak.
“Healthcare worker training, simulation exercises, stakeholder sensitisation, and the operationalisation of isolation facilities are also ongoing,” the ministry said.
Government stockpiles Ebola response supplies
Authorities are also stockpiling emergency supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention and control materials.
The measures are intended to ensure health facilities can respond rapidly if a suspected or confirmed case is detected.
The government has also intensified surveillance at Kenya’s Points of Entry, where travellers and conveyances are being screened.
Travellers and communities living near border areas are being sensitised on Ebola, its prevention and measures to limit potential transmission.
KDF, police deployed to boost border surveillance
Multi-agency teams involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) have also been trained to strengthen surveillance at informal border crossings.
Authorities are paying particular attention to truck-driver stopovers and other locations where large numbers of people gather.
The heightened surveillance comes as Kenya monitors several infectious diseases reported in different parts of the country, including Mpox, Dengue fever and Measles.
Mpox cases reported in 40 counties
The government said Mpox cases have now been reported in 40 counties, with Mombasa, Nairobi and Busia recording the highest numbers.
The Ministry of Health continues to conduct confirmatory laboratory testing of suspected Mpox cases while integrating case management into routine healthcare services.
Dengue cases reported in northern Kenya
Kenya has also recorded Dengue fever cases, particularly in Garissa and Wajir counties.
The government said suspected deaths linked to the disease remain under investigation.
Authorities have strengthened coordination between county and sub-county health teams, laboratory testing at the National Reference Laboratory, case management and infection prevention and control measures.
Community engagement campaigns are also being conducted to educate residents on Dengue transmission, prevention and control.
Measles cases reported in several counties
Measles cases have meanwhile been reported in several counties, with Baringo, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa among the areas most affected.
No deaths from Measles have been reported so far, according to the government.
Authorities are intensifying active case searches, disease surveillance, case management and infection prevention measures while working with communities to strengthen prevention.
The government has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant but rely on verified public health information as surveillance and preparedness measures continue.
For now, authorities maintain that there is no confirmed Ebola case in Kenya.
