Kenya’s Ministry of Health announced on Friday that it has stepped up surveillance at all entry points nationwide following an outbreak of the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in neighboring Uganda.
“As a precaution, surveillance measures have been strengthened in all counties and border entry points,” stated Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health, in a press release from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, on Friday evening.
Muthoni further noted that authorities are conducting a rapid assessment of the country’s ability to handle a similar outbreak. Once completed, a comprehensive plan will be developed to enhance national preparedness and response efforts.
She urged the public to obtain reliable information from certified healthcare workers, community health promoters, or the Ministry of Health’s official website.
The statement followed Uganda’s Ministry of Health declaration on Thursday of an Ebola outbreak after a 32-year-old male nurse succumbed to the Sudan Ebola virus on Wednesday, marking the country’s eighth outbreak of the deadly disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that it is collaborating closely with Ugandan health authorities to reinforce surveillance, case management, community engagement, and risk communication in response to the outbreak.
Ebola is a highly contagious virus that causes severe symptoms, including fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and general body weakness.
According to the WHO, Ebola’s fatality rate ranges from 50% to 89%, depending on the viral subtype.
