Kenya's Ministry of Health and the Kenya National Public Health Institute activated a nationwide Ebola response on Wednesday [1].
The move comes as regional neighbors battle the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Because of the high transmissibility of the disease, Kenyan officials are intensifying screening and preparedness to prevent the virus from crossing borders [1, 2].
Health officials said that no Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak have been detected in Kenya [1]. However, the scale of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has prompted the KNPHI-led response to ensure the healthcare system can manage a potential influx of patients [1, 2].
Data regarding the regional outbreak varies by source. Some reports indicate more than 250 suspected cases and at least 80 deaths [3]. Other data suggests a higher toll, with 531 people infected and at least 131 deaths reported in the affected regions [4].
The response effort focuses on surveillance and the mobilization of resources. The KNPHI is coordinating with the Ministry of Health to monitor travel hubs and health facilities. These measures are designed to detect early symptoms, and isolate suspected cases before they can spread within the community [1, 2].
Regional cooperation remains a priority as the Bundibugyo strain continues to circulate. The activation of the response plan allows Kenya to maintain a state of high alert while the World Health Organization and other agencies work to contain the virus in the DRC and Uganda [1, 2].
“No Ebola case linked to the current outbreak has been detected in Kenya”
Kenya is adopting a preemptive public health posture to avoid the systemic collapse that often accompanies Ebola outbreaks in East Africa. By activating the KNPHI-led response before a local case is detected, the government is attempting to build a 'firewall' of surveillance and containment to protect its economy and public health from the volatility of the regional epidemic.
