Ebola can look like malaria: MoH warns as cases hit 8

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to Kenyans that Ebola can initially mimic the symptoms of malaria, urging individuals experiencing unwellness to seek medical attention promptly as the country's confirmed cases rise to eight. In a public health alert, the ministry stated that similar early symptoms of Ebola can be found in malaria and other common ailments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking medical help without delay. "Ebola symptoms can look like malaria," the ministry advised in its public notice.

The warning follows the recent positive test result of a 49-year-old hospital patient attendant, raising Kenya's reported total of Ebola cases to eight. This development puts additional pressure on authorities to contain the outbreak effectively. According to the Ministry of Health, early symptoms of Ebola usually manifest between two and 21 days after infection, starting with fever, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.

As the disease progresses, patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and impaired kidney or liver function. In later stages, bleeding might also occur.

Because these early symptoms are similar to those of malaria and other illnesses, the ministry is urging Kenyans not to overlook any signs of illness or delay seeking medical care.