Kenya intensifies Ebola surveillance, declares nation safe amid regional outbreak

Africa, Health

NAIROBI, Kenya (NPA) — The Kenyan government has intensified nationwide Ebola preparedness and surveillance measures following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

In a press statement issued on Friday, Kenya’s Ministry of Health said the outbreak had already been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The ministry, however, reassured citizens and the international community that Kenya has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola as of May 21, 2026.

According to the statement signed by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, three individuals with recent travel history from the Democratic Republic of Congo who visited health facilities with unrelated illnesses were isolated and tested for Ebola, with all results returning negative. Four additional contacts linked to the individuals also tested negative.

The government noted that Kenya remains at elevated risk due to its strong regional trade, transport, and population movement links with affected countries, prompting authorities to activate an enhanced national response framework.

As part of the measures, the Ministry of Health, through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), has activated the Incident Management System and Public Health Emergency Operations Centres at national and county levels.

Rapid response teams have also been placed on standby, while coordination with county governments, the WHO, the Africa CDC, and regional partners has been intensified.

The ministry disclosed that screening and surveillance operations have been strengthened at airports and land border crossings, with a cumulative total of 42,447 travellers screened as of May 21, including 2,965 in the last 24 hours.

Kenya also identified 22 high-risk counties and deployed 118 rapid-response personnel, while more than 880 healthcare workers at national and county levels have undergone sensitisation on Ebola preparedness and response.

Authorities further announced the designation of four national laboratories for Ebola testing, including the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu, and a mobile laboratory platform for rapid deployment where necessary.

The government clarified that there is currently no blanket quarantine for truck drivers or travellers, noting that the country is implementing risk-based screening, monitoring, and rapid response measures in line with WHO and International Health Regulations guidelines.

The Ministry of Health urged members of the public to remain calm but vigilant, maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and rely only on verified information from official health authorities.

Citizens were also advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, unexplained bleeding, or bruising, particularly after travelling to affected areas in eastern and north-eastern DRC and regions bordering western Uganda.

The government assured tourists, investors, and international travellers that Kenya remains safe and open, while urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to affected regions until the outbreak is fully contained.

“The Ministry remains on high alert and continues to work closely with WHO, Africa CDC, regional governments, and development partners to prevent the entry and spread of Ebola Virus Disease into the country,” the statement added.