Ebola in Kenya: Is it under control as nine cases confirmed?
Kenya is grappling with its first ever outbreak of Ebola, a disease which neighbouring countries, such as Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, are used to dealing with.
TL;DR
- Kenya has confirmed nine cases of Ebola, all linked to the first patient who traveled from DR Congo.
- Neighboring countries and the US have issued travel warnings and alerts due to the outbreak.
- Kenya has implemented enhanced screening at borders and airports for travelers from high-risk countries.
- The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo species, with no approved vaccine or treatment.
- Health workers have expressed concerns about "lapses" at border points and the need for more protective equipment.
- The government is conducting contact tracing, with 99% of contacts of the first patient in quarantine.
- Kenya is working with international partners like Africa CDC and WHO to manage the outbreak.
- Despite the outbreak, Kenya has not imposed restrictions on travel or public gatherings.