The Ministry of Health has intensified measures to contain Ebola after Kenya confirmed its first case, with health officials expanding contact tracing and surveillance across the country.
As of Wednesday morning, 10 people were being held in quarantine facilities, while health officials had identified 57 contacts linked to the confirmed case.
The number is expected to increase as health teams continue tracing people who may have come into contact with the patient, referred to as patient zero, or their relatives.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the country remains on high alert, with health officers across all counties activated to respond to any suspected cases.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi, Muthoni said the ministry was working closely with county governments and faith-based health facilities to prepare for any possible increase in cases.
She, however, urged Kenyans not to panic, saying the country is not experiencing an Ebola outbreak but is managing an imported case.
Health officials are currently following up on individuals identified through contact tracing, with those requiring monitoring already placed in quarantine or isolation facilities.
Health Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth said the country has adequate quarantine capacity and that additional temporary facilities can be established if the need arises.
Surveillance has also been heightened at 15 points of entry as authorities seek to prevent further transmission. Treatment centres are being activated in counties located near Kenya’s borders as part of the preparedness measures.
The Ministry of Health will also hold regular stakeholder meetings to review the response and identify areas requiring further action.
Officials said clear and timely communication will remain a key part of the response, with the ministry expected to keep the public updated on developments and the measures being taken to contain the virus.
