20 counties at risk as Ebola virus cases surge in Uganda - MoH

Acting Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth stated on Tuesday that the counties of Busia, Nakuru, Kiambu, Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Makueni, Taita taveta, Mombasa, Kwale, and Kericho are at risk of infection with the virus that emerged in Uganda on September 19.

Bungoma, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, and Uasin Gishu were also placed on high alert.

Dr. Amoth also mentioned the risk of the Ebola virus spreading to Kenya as a result of the massive human traffic between Kenya and Uganda via the Busia and Malaba ground crossing points.

He singled out the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kisumu, Eldoret and Mombasa international airports, as well as the heavy population of Ugandan citizens in Nairobi, Kajiado and Kakuma as possible risk factors.

“Owing to these risks, Kenya needs to implement effective measures to prevent the Ebola virus outbreak spreading into the country, including stepping up surveillance for detection and preparedness for appropriate response,” Dr. Amoth said.

As a precaution measure, the Health Ministry also urged Kenyans to be vigilant on such signs and symptoms of Ebola as high fever, vomiting, cough, chest pain, diarrhoea, measles-like rash and bleeding from body openings.

“​​Members of the public are advised to adhere to preventive public health measures such as handwashing, wearing masks, and social distancing. Avoid touching or burial of dead bodies that have died of unknown causes unless confirmed by health authorities, and avoid contact or eating bush meat especially from monkeys, bats, baboons, gorillas and chimpanzees,” added Amoth.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health says so far, 36 people are suspected of contracting the Ebola virus, among which 23 have died.

The Ebola virus enters the body through contact with infected blood, urine, faeces, semen or other bodily fluids within an incubation period of 2-21 days.

Kenyans have in the meantime been urged to report suspected Ebola cases to the nearest health facilities or call 719 or MoH via 0732 353 535 and 0729 471 414.