By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter
Kenya, May 17 ,2026 - Kenya has heightened nationwide Ebola preparedness measures after the Ministry of Health issued an alert following a deadly outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and a confirmed imported case in neighbouring Uganda.
The government has directed all county governments and health facilities to intensify surveillance, screening, rapid response, and public awareness efforts to prevent any possible spread of the disease into the country.
In a statement by Muthoni Muriuki, the Principal secretary noted that the latest report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention a total of 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara Health Zones in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
An additional suspected case has been identified in Bunia Town pending confirmation. Laboratory investigations conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa confirmed Ebola virus infection in 13 out of 20 tested samples, with at least four deaths occurring among laboratory-confirmed cases.
“The Ministry further notes that the Republic of Uganda has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease involving a 59-year-old Congolese national who travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Kampala for medical care,” said the statement that was also addressed to all directors and Chief Officers of health.
The PS noted that according to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the patient was admitted to Kibuli Muslim Hospital on 11th May 2026 and later succumbed to the illness on 14th May 2026 while receiving treatment, laboratory testing conducted at the Central Emergency Surveillance and Response Laboratory in Wandegeya confirmed Ebola Virus Disease.
“Ugandan authorities have since activated national response mechanisms, intensified surveillance at both official and unofficial points of entry, deployed rapid response teams, strengthened isolation and laboratory capacity, and initiated contact tracing and quarantine measures for identified contacts,” said the statement.
The PS said owing to the significant movement of persons and goods within the East and Central African region, all County Governments have directed to immediately activate and enhance preparedness and response measures.
The county health departments have been advised to undertake various measures including intensifying screening and surveillance activities at airports, airstrips, seaports, land border crossing and other transit points.
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They have further been directed to heightened surveillance in all health facilities, especially in counties with high cross border movement and international travel.
The ministry has also asked the county officials to activate and sensitize County Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) for prompt investigation and containment of suspected cases and ensure County Emergency Operations Centres and surveillance coordination mechanisms remain on high alert and fully operational.
“Conduct refresher training for healthcare workers on Ebola case identification, case management, IPC measures, safe burials, and reporting protocols and ensure preparedness of isolation facilities and treatment centres within counties,” said the PS.
The PS has also advised the health department to disseminate updated Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidelines to all public and private health facilities as well as ensure adequate availability and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in all healthcare facilities.
According to the health ministry, Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal viral illness transmitted through direct contact with Blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Contaminated objects such as bedding, clothing, needles, and medical equipment Infected wild animals including fruit bats and non-human primates can be transmitted.
Its symptoms may appear suddenly and include High fever, severe weakness and fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains, sore throat, vomiting, Diarrhoea, Abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
The World Health Organization has already deployed emergency teams, released emergency funding, sent laboratory and protective equipment, and coordinated cross-border surveillance with African CDC and neighboring governments.