Ebola in Kenya: PS Muthoni urges Kenyans to report travel and wash hands regularly

Kenya's Ministry of Health has announced that it has achieved a staggering 97% success rate in tracing individuals who have come into contact with the country's first Ebola patient or their relatives, far exceeding international standards. This impressive achievement highlights the government's rapid response to the ongoing outbreak.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni revealed that health officials have ramped up surveillance and contact tracing efforts beyond those already in quarantine, aiming to contain the virus and prevent further spread within communities. The ministry is also urging county governments to establish quarantine facilities as a precautionary measure in case the outbreak intensifies or becomes more challenging to contain.

In preparation for potential escalation, most personal protective equipment (PPE) received by the government has been distributed to high-risk areas near Kenya's borders to bolster readiness and safeguard frontline health workers. Kenyans have been encouraged to adhere to basic hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, and avoid practices like handshakes and kissing when interacting with potential Ebola cases.

The government has also advised against unprotected sexual contact with infected or suspected individuals and urged the public to remain vigilant for symptoms or exposure. A resurgence of four additional Ebola cases among people under quarantine has pushed the total confirmed cases to seven, with the first patient succumbing to the disease.

Muthoni urged Kenyans to remain composed, stressing that early detection and timely medical intervention are crucial in managing the outbreak. Anyone experiencing symptoms or suspecting an Ebola infection is encouraged to seek medical attention and report suspected cases through the ministry's hotline, 719. The Ministry of Health remains committed to strengthening surveillance, contact tracing, and containment measures to effectively combat the Ebola outbreak.