NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 7 – Pharmacists and pharmacy care teams have been urged to heighten vigilance following confirmation of Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK), in an advisory issued on Wednesday, said pharmacies could play a critical role in the country’s response because they are among the most accessible points of contact between patients and the healthcare system.

The society warned that patients experiencing early symptoms could visit pharmacies seeking medicines or medical advice before presenting at a hospital, making pharmacists an important first line of defence in detecting potential cases.

PSK President Dr Wairimu Mbogo urged pharmacists to ensure that all members of their teams are prepared to recognise possible Ebola symptoms, protect themselves and other patients, and activate the appropriate referral and public health procedures.

📌 What You Need to Know

Pharmacists have been advised to maintain a high level of suspicion when dealing with patients presenting with fever or a history of fever, severe weakness or fatigue, chills, muscle pain and sore throat, among other concerning symptoms.

Where necessary, pharmacists should establish whether patients have recently travelled or had contact with people who could have been exposed to Ebola.

The society cautioned pharmacy teams against unnecessary physical contact with suspected cases, including avoiding unwarranted physical examinations, injections, invasive procedures and exposure to bodily fluids.

Pharmacies have also been advised to strengthen hand hygiene, use appropriate personal protective equipment, clean contaminated environments and ensure safe handling of patients.

PSK said pharmacies should not attempt to routinely manage suspected Ebola cases.

Instead, a suspected patient should be separated from other people as safely as possible while the appropriate referral process is activated.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya