The Ministry of Health confirms infections in three health workers and a relative of the first patient, but says the public risk remains low.
Kenya’s confirmed Ebola cases have risen to seven after four people in quarantine tested positive, the Ministry of Health announced. They include three health workers and a close male relative of the first patient, who died from the disease.
However, the ministry said the risk to the public remained low, with no evidence of community transmission. All four patients were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms.
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth outlined the latest developments in a statement. He said trained health workers were providing supportive care to the patients.
New Ebola cases detected during quarantine
The four patients developed fever before health teams isolated and tested them. Both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratory confirmed positive results.
The three health workers comprise two men and one woman, aged 29, 35 and 32. They treated the first patient in hospital between October 3 and 4 and entered quarantine on October 9.
They are now receiving supportive care at a designated treatment facility. Meanwhile, the male relative had been in quarantine since October 6.
The ministry said early detection helped reduce the risk of transmission to families and the wider community. It also said prompt detection improved the patients’ chances of survival.
The announcement follows confirmation of Kenya’s second case on October 14, involving a 39-year-old relative of the first patient. He developed fever, fatigue and joint pains while in quarantine, prompting immediate isolation and testing.
Tests confirmed Bundibugogyo virus disease in that patient. Amoth also said the second and third patients were stable and responding well to treatment.
Health teams trace 128 contacts
Authorities have identified 130 contacts linked to the outbreak and traced 128, placing them in quarantine. Efforts continue to locate the remaining two.
The ministry put the contact-tracing rate at 98.5 per cent. That exceeds the 85 per cent global benchmark it cited as necessary to help interrupt transmission.
Health officials continue to monitor exposed relatives and health workers. People in quarantine also receive medical monitoring and psychosocial support.
However, the ministry warned that further infections could emerge before contacts complete the 21-day monitoring period. It said health teams would promptly identify and treat anyone developing symptoms during that time.
No restrictions on travel or gatherings
Despite the increase in infections, the government has imposed no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings. The ministry urged Kenyans to remain calm while staying alert to symptoms.
It explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or other body fluids. This applies when the person is sick or has died from the disease; Ebola does not spread through the air.
Warning signs include fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should report immediately to the nearest health facility.
For further information, the public can call the ministry’s toll-free number, 719, or use its official communication channels.
