Kenya has heightened surveillance at its points of entry as the government strengthens preparedness against Ebola, even as the country continues to battle an Mpox outbreak that has spread to 40 counties.

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The Ministry of Interior said on Monday, September 14, that no case of Ebola Virus Disease had been confirmed in Kenya, with all suspected cases tested so far returning negative results.

The government has nevertheless activated the National Ebola Virus Disease Incident Management System and strengthened preparedness at national and county levels in case of a suspected infection.

Four laboratories have been designated for Ebola testing, including the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu and a mobile laboratory serving Busia and Bungoma.

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Authorities are also training healthcare workers, conducting simulation exercises and operationalising isolation facilities, while response supplies including personal protective equipment and infection prevention materials are being stockpiled.

The heightened Ebola surveillance comes as Kenya's Mpox outbreak continues to expand, with confirmed infections now reported in 40 of the country's 47 counties where the Ministry of Health has identified seven counties as high-risk because of their proximity to border points and major transport corridors.

The seven counties are Mombasa, Nairobi, Busia, Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi and Nakuru, with Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni urging residents to maintain heightened vigilance.

As of September 6, Kenya had recorded 1,298 confirmed Mpox cases and 19 deaths, with Mombasa accounting for the highest number of infections at 452, followed by Nairobi with 320 and Busia with 115.

The government has also increased screening at points of entry, where travellers and conveyances are being monitored, while border communities are being sensitised on disease prevention and early reporting.

Multi-agency teams involving the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers have been trained to strengthen surveillance at informal crossing points, truck-driver stopovers and other areas with high volumes of people.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke