WHO urges vigilance after Kenya confirms second Ebola case

A second case of Ebola has been confirmed in Kenya, raising concerns about the country’s ability to prevent further transmission of the virus. The patient, a 39-year-old man, is a relative of Kenya’s first confirmed case, who died in hospital on 5 October. He became ill on 13 October and is currently under quarantine. His infection is linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The first Ebola patient in Kenya was a local man who had been living in the DRC. He arrived in Nairobi via Uganda on 3 October and died in hospital two days later. Health authorities identified over 40 individuals who had come into contact with him, including airline passengers, airport staff, and healthcare workers. Most of these individuals are in quarantine, while others are self-isolating and being monitored. Efforts are underway to locate six individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown due to foreign phone numbers. The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Kenya’s efforts to trace contacts and implement quarantine measures. Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, WHO representative in Kenya, emphasized that containing the disease requires collective responsibility. She noted that the government, health workers, and the public all have roles to play in preventing the spread of Ebola. WHO and the Kenyan government began preparing for an Ebola outbreak even before the first case was confirmed. This preparation included strengthening surveillance systems and training thousands of health workers. WHO has provided financial and logistical support, including nearly $70,000 in supplies such as infection prevention and control equipment. Over 4,000 health workers have received training, particularly for screening travelers at ports of entry. Despite the confirmation of the second case, WHO has not recommended imposing travel restrictions or closing national borders. Instead, it has urged continued vigilance and proper screening procedures at border checkpoints. Dr. Kimambo highlighted that Ebola spreads primarily through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person and encouraged the public to maintain hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and avoiding physical greetings like handshakes. Public health officials have reminded Kenyans to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can resemble those of other illnesses like malaria. They have also urged people not to panic, emphasizing that there is no evidence of community transmission yet. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working to locate and isolate any additional individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. The focus remains on ensuring effective containment measures are in place to prevent further spread within the country.