Kenya has not recorded any case of Ebola after 18 suspected samples tested negative, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said all 18 samples collected from suspected cases were tested and returned negative results for the Ebola virus, assuring Kenyans that the country remains free of the deadly disease.
PS Muthoni said the government has nevertheless heightened surveillance and response measures due to the risk posed by cross-border movements and international travel.
She revealed that 25 counties, including Nairobi and Mombasa, have been identified as high-risk areas for a possible Ebola outbreak.
The counties were selected based on factors such as population movement, transport links and international connectivity.
The PS said the Ministry of Health has intensified screening at points of entry, strengthened disease surveillance systems and enhanced the capacity of health workers to detect and respond to any suspected cases promptly.
At the same time, the ministry has launched public awareness campaigns to educate Kenyans about Ebola, its symptoms, modes of transmission and preventive measures.
Health officials said Ebola symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after infection and may include fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and, in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.
The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, touching contaminated objects, or contact with infected animals such as bats and monkeys.
However, health experts emphasized that Ebola is not airborne and can only be transmitted through close contact with infected people or animals, whether alive or dead.
Muthoni urged members of the public to observe proper hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with body fluids and refraining from handling sick or dead persons and animals.
She further advised anyone experiencing symptoms associated with the disease to seek medical attention immediately.
She emphasized that while there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Kenya, preparedness remains a top priority to safeguard public health and prevent any potential outbreak.
The government is also working closely with county governments, health facilities and international partners to ensure rapid response mechanisms remain on standby in the event of any suspected infection.
Health officials have reassured Kenyans that the country’s surveillance systems are active and capable of detecting and containing any emerging public health threats, urging the public to spread awareness rather than fear.
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