Kenya has intensified Ebola preparedness measures through a KNPHI-led response framework following the Bundibugyo strain outbreak in Uganda and DRC, with enhanced surveillance, laboratory capacity, and rapid response teams activated nationwide.

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NAIROBI, Kenya, May 20 — Kenya has announced intensified nationwide Ebola preparedness measures following the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, even as the Ministry of Health confirmed that no case linked to the current outbreak has been detected in the country.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government had activated a robust national response framework through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) to prevent possible importation of the disease and ensure rapid detection and containment should a case emerge locally.

“We wish to reassure all Kenyans that, as of today, Kenya has not reported any Ebola Virus Disease case linked to the current outbreak,” Duale said in a statement issued Tuesday night.

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However, he cautioned that Kenya’s close regional connectivity through trade, road transport, air travel, and population movement continued to expose the country to heightened risk.

The outbreak has already triggered international concern after the World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, while Africa CDC classified it as a Grade 3 — High Risk event due to confirmed cross-border transmission and the absence of licensed vaccines or approved therapeutics for the Bundibugyo strain.

MoH said more than 336 alerts and suspected cases are currently under investigation in DRC, with eighty-seven deaths reported, including two in Uganda.

At least thirteen laboratory-confirmed cases have been identified across the two countries.

In response, Kenya has activated an Incident Management System at the national level, placed Rapid Response Teams on 24-hour standby, and maintained Public Health Emergency Operations Centres on alert nationwide and within counties.

“Kenya has significantly intensified national preparedness measures aimed at preventing importation of the disease, ensuring rapid detection, and mounting a coordinated response should any case be identified in the country,” Duale said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya