Kenya issues alert following reported case of Ebola in neighbouring Uganda – African Business

After the Ebola epidemic in Uganda, which was reported by the ministry of health, the ministry has issued an alert for all counties.

Mutahi Kagwe is the health Cabinet Secretary. This follows an alert from the Ugandan Government to Kenya, in accordance with East African Community Health protocols. The alert was about the outbreak that was found in Ngabano village in Madudu Sub County in Central Uganda.

Kagwe claims that the victim, a 24-yearold male, died on 19 September 2022 from Ebola symptoms.

“Health officials in Uganda are currently conducting contact tracing to identify any close contacts of the deceased. Six suspicious prior deaths are currently under investigations,” added Kagwe.

All county administrations in Kenya have been urged by the government to increase surveillance and monitor the border, activate rapid reaction teams to assist with identification of suspected cases and prompt reporting, screen at risk populations such as travellers, truck drivers and bush meat handlers, as well as to inform the community about suspected cases. They were also urged by the Kenyan government to inform healthcare workers on infection prevention and control measures, sample management, case management, and mobilize all relevant stakeholders to start prevention, preparedness, and response measures.

The ministry of Health has urged caution and advised the public to take extra precautions when visiting Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The general public is advised to keep an eye out for anyone with an acute onset of febrile illness, particularly if they are in close contact with people who have had previous travel experiences from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other signs to watch for are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach pains and headaches.

In such cases, the public is advised to immediately notify the nearest hospital or administrative officer like assistant chiefs.

Ebola virus disease (EVD), a severe, often fatal, illness in humans, is caused by Ebola virus. The virus is transmitted by wild animals to people and spreads from humans to people. According to previous outbreaks, 67% of those infected die.

Distributed by APO Group, Ministry of Health, Kenya.