Kenya Issues Urgent Ebola Alert Amid Deadly Uganda Outbreak

Nairobi – The Ministry of Health has issued a health advisory following an Ebola outbreak in Kampala, Uganda, confirmed by Ugandan authorities on January 30. The outbreak involves the Sudan strain of the virus, which has already claimed one life.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa urged Kenyans to take preventive measures, including avoiding contact with live or dead wild animals, animal products, and unprotected sexual activities. The ministry emphasized that Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, and materials like bedding or clothing.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is highly fatal, with symptoms such as fever, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, and body weakness. In severe cases, it can cause internal and external bleeding. The ministry advised anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical care and warned against home treatment.

To curb transmission, close contacts of Ebola patients will be monitored for 21 days. The government also stressed the importance of following public health guidelines, including avoiding contact with deceased Ebola victims. Specially trained burial teams will ensure safe and dignified burials without traditional rituals involving touching or washing the body.

Kenyan authorities are heightening surveillance, particularly at the Busia border crossing, to prevent the spread of the virus. Ebola, first identified in 1976, has caused multiple outbreaks across Africa. The deadliest outbreak in 2014 affected Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, leading to over 11,000 deaths.

The Ministry of Health urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and follow official health advisories to protect themselves and their communities.