The confirmation of Kenya’s first imported Ebola case has renewed attention on how the virus spreads and the steps the public can take to reduce the risk of infection.
Ebola is mainly transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who is sick with the disease or has died from it. It can also spread through objects or surfaces contaminated with infected body fluids.
The virus does not spread through the air, meaning simply being near an infected person does not by itself result in transmission. People become infectious after they develop symptoms.
How Ebola spreads
Ebola can be transmitted when infected body fluids enter another person’s body through broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose or mouth.
Body fluids that can carry the virus include blood, vomit, faeces, urine and other secretions. People can also become infected by handling materials contaminated with these fluids, including clothing and bedding.
Healthcare workers and family members caring for patients can face a higher risk of exposure if appropriate infection-prevention measures are not followed. Traditional burial practices involving direct contact with the body of someone who has died from Ebola can also contribute to transmission.
How to prevent infection
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to maintain good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap and water.
People should avoid direct contact with anyone suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, particularly contact with their blood or other body fluids. They should also avoid handling items that may have been contaminated by an infected person’s body fluids.
Anyone who becomes unwell and believes they may have been exposed to Ebola should seek medical attention early and inform health workers about the possible exposure. Early supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can improve the chances of survival.
People who have been identified as contacts of a confirmed case should cooperate with health authorities and follow monitoring instructions. Contact tracing and monitoring are important because health teams can identify people who may develop symptoms and act quickly to prevent further transmission.
Kenya strengthens preparedness
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni has outlined a range of measures being undertaken by the Ministry of Health following confirmation of the imported case.
These include enhanced disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, isolation arrangements and training of health workers. The response also involves coordination between national and county governments, health facilities and other partners.
Kenya had already activated a national Ebola preparedness and response taskforce before the confirmed case. The multi-sectoral team brings together government agencies, county governments, development partners and technical experts to strengthen surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, risk communication and emergency response.
Muthoni has stressed the importance of cooperation across all levels of government and with communities as the country responds to the case.
What the public should do
The PS has urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant while relying on information from official Ministry of Health channels. She has also cautioned against sharing unverified reports that could create fear or confusion.
Members of the public who feel unwell should seek care early and follow guidance from health authorities. Kenyans can also contact the Ministry of Health through 719 for information and guidance on Ebola.
Preventing further transmission will depend on early detection, effective contact tracing, appropriate infection-control measures and cooperation from communities. Individual precautions, timely reporting and accurate public information remain important parts of Kenya’s response.
