Ebola: 10 quarantined as Kenya traces 57 contacts

As of Wednesday morning, 10 people have been admitted to quarantine facilities while contact tracing has identified 57 contacts. 

These numbers will rise as the day progresses, with ministry officials in the field following up on people named to have come into contact with patient zero or their relatives.

According to Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni, who chaired a stakeholder meeting at the MoH headquarters, the country remains alert, with officers around the country activated to ensure timely response to any suspected case.

PS Muthoni says the ministry is working closely with county governments and faith-based health facilities to prepare for a surge in numbers, if any.

The PS has also allayed any fears about the spread of the deadly virus, noting that Kenya does not have an outbreak, but an imported case under management.

Ministry officials are following up on the mentioned contacts with those already in quarantine or isolation facilities.

Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth says the country and all health officials remain keen, assuring adequate quarantine facilities, and, where needed, the setting up of makeshift facilities to address issues as they arise.

Currently, surveillance has been heightened at 15 points of entry, with treatment centres now being activated in all counties near the country’s border.

Consequently, the stakeholder meeting resolved to hold periodic meetings where all players will appraise the country on steps taken and what needs to be addressed, as strong communication is being touted as a key driver for keeping the country informed.

According to the Ministry, there are 23 isolation and treatment centres, including the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the National Police Service Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the US-funded quarantine centre at Laikipia Air Base, Nanyuki, among others.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced on Tuesday that Kenya recorded the first case and death of Ebola Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) disease from a patient coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The patient, who arrived in Kenya on October 3 from Kampala on a Jambojet flight, succumbed on Monday night at the Nairobi Hospital and was buried on Tuesday.

As part of preparations to contain the deadly virus, the government is mobilising about Ksh.70 billion, as the National Treasury has set aside an initial Ksh.2.6 billion for emergency response.

According to the National Treasury, much of the funding is expected to come from international partners.

The government has established a preliminary Ebola response mitigation fund of Ksh.2.6 billion to assist the Ministry of Health in preparing for and containing an Ebola outbreak in the country.