Ebola Virus: Kenya Issues Critical Alert

Kenya has been put on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).The move comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared an Ebola outbreak in DRC on Friday, following one positive test in a specialised laboratory in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.According to Daily Nation, Director of Medical Services Jackson Kioko stated that the ministry has also re-activated rapid response teams and will follow up cases of travellers with elevated body temperature, and asymptomatic cases.“On 9th May, the World Health Organisation was informed of a cluster of undiagnosed illness and deaths including hemorrhagic symptoms in Likati Health zone, Bas Uele Province in the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bordering the Central African Republic,” he indicated.He stated that high risk cases will be identified while awaiting possible transfer to isolation facilities after thorough assessment.“The outbreak was declared by the WHO following one positive test for Ebola virus in a specialised laboratory in the capital Kinshasa while additional laboratory samples are currently being tested,” he said.He revealed that since April 12, nine suspected cases including three deaths have been reported. Six people are currently hospitalised.“The following measures have been taken. Strengthened screening and surveillance of travellers with elevated body temperatures and asymptomatic symptoms with history of travel from and /or through DRC,” he explained.Declaration of contact while in Kenya will also be collected to aid personal risk assessment and daily follow-up for 21 days if they (travellers) will still be residents.Dr Mailu said that there are also leaflets at the airport that the Ministry has issued to be given to travellers and workers to remind them of the need to be alert.