Nairobi: Kenya’s Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance at all entry points following an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease in neighboring Uganda.
Principal Secretary for Health, Mary Muthoni, stated that enhanced monitoring systems have been implemented across all counties and border points as a precautionary measure. She added that a rapid assessment is underway to evaluate the country’s preparedness for a potential outbreak, with a comprehensive response plan set to follow.
Muthoni urged the public to rely on credible sources such as healthcare professionals, community health promoters, and the Ministry of Health’s official website for accurate information regarding the virus.
The heightened alert comes after Uganda’s Ministry of Health declared an Ebola outbreak on Thursday. This followed the death of a 32-year-old male nurse who succumbed to the Sudan Ebola virus on Wednesday. This marks the eighth recorded outbreak of the disease in Uganda, according to a report by Xinhua news agency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged support to Uganda in managing the outbreak. It stated that efforts are being intensified to strengthen surveillance, case management, risk communication, and community mobilization to curb the virus's spread.
In a proactive effort, Uganda had already initiated an Ebola preventive vaccination campaign in September last year, targeting 25,000 individuals at high risk. The campaign aimed to protect vulnerable populations and bolster preparedness against future outbreaks.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, confirmed that 25,000 vaccine regimens had been procured. The two-dose vaccine regimen, previously used in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, includes an initial dose of "Zabdeno," followed by "Mvabea" administered approximately eight weeks later.
Ebola is a highly contagious viral disease that presents with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. The virus has an extremely high fatality rate, with mortality rates ranging from 50% to 89%, depending on the strain, according to WHO.
As Kenya ramps up surveillance and preparedness efforts, health authorities continue to stress the importance of early detection, preventive measures, and public awareness to mitigate the risk of cross-border transmission.