By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 20 May 2026 - Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ruled out a blanket quarantine for travellers as a preventive measure against a possible Ebola virus disease outbreak in the country, saying the government will instead intensify screening and surveillance nationwide.
Blanket quarantines are broad, mandatory isolation measures applied to large groups of people regardless of their individual infection status or known exposure to a disease, which is a precautionary approach to stop the spread of a virus.
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe, often fatal illness in humans caused by Orthoebolaviruses and is transmitted via close contact with infected animals or bodily fluids from infected people.
The outbreak of the virus was officially declared in DRC on May 15 and later spread to other countries, such as Uganda, which have already received Visa sanctions from countries such as the United States as a preemptive measure to prevent its spread.
The disease, which mainly affects the central and western African regions, was first identified in 1976 and causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal/external bleeding.
As of May 18, the ministry has confirmed that over 336 suspected cases are under investigation in DRC, and 87 deaths, including two in Uganda, have been reported. 13 laboratory confirmed cases have been identified in DRC and Uganda.
Although vaccines and treatments now exist, for this specific type of Ebola, mortality rates during previous outbreaks ranged from 25 percent to 90 percent according to the World Health Organisation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the recent Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 16, which is its highest global alert level.
In a statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the ministry will adopt additional preparedness measures, including an online passenger surveillance system, enhanced surveillance at airports and other entry points, and population mobility mapping.
The ministry has indicated that more than 34,500 travellers, including 18,552 international, 5,848 local, 2514 truck drivers, and 4,729 conveyances, have undergone screening.
The country has also enhanced laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity through designated testing facilities at KEMRI, the National Public Health Laboratory, and other mobile laboratory platforms.
The ministry is also mapping ambulance capacity in high-risk counties with support from the Kenya Red Cross Society and strengthening engagement with private hospitals to improve early detection, referral, and reporting systems.
“We are equally prioritizing risk communication and community engagement to ensure the public receives accurate and timely information. Community Health Promoters are supporting surveillance and sensitization activities,” Duale stated.
“Engagements with transport operators, media houses, digital influencers, and telecommunications partners are ongoing to support the dissemination of verified public health information and reduce misinformation and panic,” he added.
Members of the public have been encouraged to remain vigilant and maintain proper hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and seeking immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola, especially after recent travel to affected areas.
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