Ebola: 44 identified contacts to stay isolated for three weeks – Minister

Kenya's Ministry of Health has reported the ninth case of Ebola in the country, bringing the total confirmed infections to nine. The latest patient, a 24-year-old man who is a family member of the first case, was already in quarantine when symptoms emerged. Director General for Health Patrick Amoth stated that all nine cases are linked to one cluster with no evidence of transmission outside this group.

One Ebola-related death has been recorded, while the remaining eight patients are receiving treatment. All patients have shown improvement and are currently stable under strict observation and treatment. The Ministry has intensified contact tracing, successfully tracing and quarantining 99.3% of identified contacts as of October 20.

Kenya has received 500 doses of medicines to support the treatment of confirmed cases. The Ministry has also distributed protective equipment, diagnostic kits, and other essential supplies to high-risk counties to enhance the detection and management of suspected Ebola cases. A dedicated laboratory at the Kenyatta National Hospital's Infectious Disease Unit is being used to handle routine tests for patients under Ebola care, preventing contamination of the main hospital laboratory.

The Ministry continues to monitor infection prevention and control measures at quarantine and treatment centers, with no infections reported within these facilities. Communities are urged to welcome those completing quarantine without discrimination, as individuals who complete the 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms pose no risk of infection to others.

Symptoms of Ebola include fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding.