National Team Reviews Ebola Surveillance and Response Systems in Isiolo County

Kenya, 18 June 2026 - The Isiolo County Department of Health has hosted an Ebola Assessment and Surveillance Team at the Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital (ICTRH) to evaluate the county’s readiness to prevent and respond to a potential Ebola outbreak.

The assessment comes amid heightened vigilance across Kenya following concerns over the possible spread of the disease within the region, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and preparedness measures.

Speaking during the visit, Chief Officer for Public Health Dr. Mohamud Abdikadir said Isiolo’s strategic location as a key transport and commercial hub places it at increased risk of disease transmission.

“Isiolo is strategically placed at the centre of Kenya. We receive many visitors and truck drivers travelling from Busia through to Wajir, making our county vulnerable to the risk of Ebola transmission,” said Dr. Abdikadir.

He noted that the county government has already initiated several preparedness measures aimed at enhancing early detection and response capabilities.

Among the measures undertaken is the identification of an isolation facility to manage suspected cases and plans to establish screening and triage centres at major entry points into the county.

“We have identified an isolation facility and are making prior arrangements to establish screening and triage centres at the Isiolo-Marsabit and Isiolo-Nanyuki borders to ensure passengers are screened before entering Isiolo town,” he said.

The assessment team comprises officials from the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), including Dr. Gathai Mundia, epidemiologist Komu Mutunga and Margaret Wanyeki.

In addition to ICTRH, the team is expected to assess preparedness levels at Garbatulla and Merti hospitals as part of a broader evaluation of the county’s health system readiness.

Health officials said the assessment findings will help identify gaps and inform interventions needed to strengthen surveillance, prevention and emergency response mechanisms.

The exercise forms part of ongoing national efforts to enhance preparedness against infectious disease threats and ensure counties are equipped to detect, contain and respond effectively to potential outbreaks.

County health authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, observe public health guidelines and report any suspected cases to health facilities promptly.