Barasa Sounds Ebola Alarm as Kenya Tightens Border Vigilance Amid Uganda Outbreak Concerns

Kenya, May 27, 2026 - Western Kenya has been placed on heightened public health alert after renewed fears of Ebola spillover from neighbouring Uganda, with Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa urging residents to strictly observe preventive measures and report suspicious symptoms early.

Speaking in Matungu Constituency during the funeral of Mama Teresa Khaemba, Barasa said the region’s proximity to Uganda and the high daily cross-border movement of traders, transporters and families makes it especially vulnerable in the event of an outbreak escalation.

Western Kenya counties lie along one of East Africa’s busiest informal border corridors, where health surveillance is often stretched by constant mobility.

“We must not panic, but we must remain extremely vigilant because Ebola is a dangerous disease that spreads very fast if precautions are ignored,” Barasa said.

“Any resident experiencing unusual symptoms such as high fever, severe weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding must report immediately to the nearest health facility. Early detection and isolation remain the most effective way of stopping transmission.”

Health experts note that Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate that has ranged between 25% and 90% in past outbreaks, depending on the strain and speed of intervention.

The disease spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected persons, making community awareness and rapid response critical in preventing clusters.

The governor further warned against delays in seeking medical attention, stressing that even a few missed cases can trigger rapid community spread if containment measures are not enforced early.

“We are asking our people to maintain strict hygiene, wash hands regularly, avoid physical contact where symptoms are suspected, and cooperate fully with health officials and surveillance teams,” he said. “Prevention is always better than response when dealing with such a high-risk disease.”

Barasa also directed county health departments, community leaders and local administrators to intensify awareness campaigns across markets, villages and schools. He said frontline health workers must strengthen surveillance and reporting systems, especially in high-traffic zones that connect Kenya to Uganda, where past outbreaks have occasionally raised regional concern.