The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Ministry of Health has stepped up surveillance and preparedness efforts following the confirmation of an Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The outbreak has raised concern across East Africa because of porous borders and regular cross-border movement within the region.
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However, Kenya’s Ministry of Health has assured the public that no Ebola infections have been recorded in the country as of Saturday, May 16, 2026.
In a statement, Director General for Health Patrick Amoth said the government has activated enhanced preparedness and response measures to guard against any possible spread of the disease into Kenya.
Health officials in the DRC confirmed Ebola in 13 out of 20 laboratory samples that were tested.
According to the advisory, early findings suggest the outbreak involves a non-Zaire strain of the Ebola virus, although genomic sequencing is still underway to establish the exact variant and transmission trends.
Ebola is a highly dangerous and often deadly disease spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
By May 15, 2026, authorities in the affected areas had documented 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, including four confirmed Ebola-related fatalities.
The Ministry noted that the affected regions in eastern DRC experience heavy movement of people through neighboring countries such as Uganda and South Sudan, with travel links extending across East Africa, including Kenya.
Kenyan authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation together with regional and global health agencies, among them the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
While the ministry maintained that the risk to Kenya remains low, it acknowledged a moderate possibility of importation because of continued travel and trade within the region.
As a result, enhanced surveillance systems have been activated to support early detection and rapid response.
Dr. Amoth also announced the formation of a National Ebola Preparedness Team to coordinate readiness activities nationwide.
Additionally, the National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) has been placed on high alert to facilitate real-time monitoring and coordination.
Other measures introduced include intensified screening at airports, border crossings, and other entry points, alongside expanded laboratory capacity to test for viral hemorrhagic fevers.
Healthcare workers are also undergoing additional training and sensitization to help them quickly identify and respond to suspected Ebola cases.
The government has further intensified public awareness campaigns, urging citizens to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with body fluids from sick individuals, and refrain from handling sick or dead animals.
The ministry advised anyone showing Ebola-like symptoms, especially after travel to affected areas, to seek immediate medical attention.
Common symptoms include sudden fever, extreme weakness, headache, vomiting, muscle pain, and unexplained bleeding.
Health officials emphasized that Ebola patients only become contagious after symptoms appear, making early diagnosis and isolation essential in preventing further spread.
The public has also been urged to rely only on information from official government channels and trusted international health agencies to avoid panic caused by false reports.
