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.
Holding rooms at the JKIA in Nairobi have been re-activated to isolate suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases while awaiting possible transfer to health facilities.
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.
Nine suspected cases including three deaths have been reported in DRC since April 22, while six patients are currently hospitalised.
Holding rooms at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi have been re-activated to isolate suspected Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases while awaiting possible transfer to health facilities.
“We have strengthened screening and surveillance of travellers from and through DRC at all points of entry,” said director of medical services Jackson Kioko in a statement on Tuesday.
“We wish to assure Kenyans that there is no suspected case of Ebola Virus in the country and they should remain vigilant, look out for any such illnesses and report to the nearest health facility without delay for immediate verification and investigation.” Dr Kioko said that the outbreak is currently confined in a remote zone in DRC and the viral disease is unlikely to spread widely in the region.
The cluster of undiagnosed illness and deaths including haemorrhagic symptoms in Likati Health Zone, Bas Uele Province - North of the DRC, bordering Central African Republic was first reported on May 9.
All persons with travel history from or through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Kenya will now be required to provide a minimum package of information to guide investigations surrounding the Ebola outbreak.
This includes, but is not limited to; personal details, exact location of origin or transit, history of contact with potential Ebola virus disease cases, presence of any suggestive signs and symptoms of the disease.
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.
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