Questions are emerging over how Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola patient passed through screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before travelling to Nairobi Hospital, where he was later diagnosed with the virus.
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the patient had travelled from north-western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Entebbe before flying to Nairobi.
Amoth said the patient underwent the normal screening process at the airport, which includes automated temperature checks.
However, health officials suspect he may have taken medication that lowered his temperature and masked some of his symptoms.
“We postulate that this patient took some medication to be able to mask some of his symptoms, including lowering his temperature and therefore could pass through,” Amoth said.
He said the patient subsequently left the airport and contacted a relative, who took him to Nairobi Hospital, where he was diagnosed.
Amoth said Kenya had so far screened more than 650,000 travellers through its 15 designated points of entry as part of measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.
He urged anyone experiencing symptoms or who suspects they may have been exposed to call the toll-free 719 hotline for assistance.
“The best thing to do is to call our line, 719, toll-free number, and our team will be able to pick you up wherever you are,” Amoth said.
Amoth said the Bundibugyo strain is one of three Ebola virus species known to cause major outbreaks, alongside the Zaire and Sudan strains.
Unlike the Zaire strain, there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola, meaning treatment mainly involves supportive care.
However, Amoth said early reporting and treatment can significantly improve a patient's chances of survival.
