Kenya is tightening its grip on Ebola at home while keeping its doors open to countries battling the deadly virus, even as 10 people linked to the country’s first case remain under quarantine. The government says border closures are not an option, choosing instead to rely on screening and surveillance to prevent further infections.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale says closing the borders could push travellers to use illegal entry points, making it harder for authorities to screen and monitor them. Kenya will instead maintain screening and testing measures for travellers arriving from affected countries.
The development comes as health authorities intensify preparations following the death of a Kenyan national who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi, where he was confirmed to have Ebola.
At Nairobi Hospital, health workers are preparing an isolation and treatment facility equipped with beds, oxygen cylinders and other essential equipment to manage suspected cases. The facility is among five health facilities designated by the Ministry of Health to isolate and manage suspected Ebola patients.
The Ministry says 57 people linked to the patient have been identified, with 10 already placed under quarantine and undergoing daily monitoring. Efforts to trace and follow up with the remaining contacts are ongoing.
Kenya has also heightened surveillance along its borders, including the Kenya-Uganda border at Busia, where temporary isolation capacity has been designated for suspected cases.
Duale has maintained that the government has put in place measures to detect and contain any further transmission, while urging the public to rely on official information as contact tracing and surveillance continue.
