Turkana heightens Ebola surveillance after Uganda outbreak.

Kenya, May 24, 2026 - Turkana County has intensified Ebola surveillance and preparedness measures following confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), even as health officials maintain that no case has been reported in Kenya.

In a public health update issued on May 23, the County Department of Health and Sanitation said the alert was prompted by Uganda’s confirmation of five imported Ebola cases and one death linked to cross-border movement from the DRC.

“Given Turkana County’s proximity and cross-border interactions with Uganda through trade, transport, and population movement, the County Government has heightened preparedness and surveillance measures to safeguard public health,” the statement read.

The county said the Health Rapid Response Team, working alongside health partners, has stepped up coordinated surveillance, screening, sensitisation campaigns, rapid response systems, case monitoring and preparedness of isolation and referral mechanisms for any suspected infection.

The heightened vigilance comes against the backdrop of Kenya’s broader preparedness plans announced earlier by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who said the country had strengthened disease surveillance systems, activated rapid response teams and enhanced screening at border entry points to guard against possible importation of Ebola cases from the region.

Turkana health officials said Ebola Virus Disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.

The county listed symptoms to watch for as sudden fever, severe weakness and fatigue, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising in severe cases.

Residents were urged to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms, particularly after travelling to affected areas or coming into contact with a suspected case.

“The public is further advised to report suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility and rely only on official information from the County Government,” the department said.

The county also advised residents to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, regularly wash hands, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons and refrain from handling sick or dead animals.

Officials appealed to the public to remain calm but vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information as the county continues monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Africa CDC and other health partners.

The statement was signed by Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr Ezekon Joseph Epem.

Residents have been advised to report suspected cases through the emergency hotline 0726-744-258.