The Ministry of Health urges Kenyans to seek prompt medical care after a 49-year-old hospital patient attendant tests positive for Ebola.
The Ministry of Health has warned that early Ebola symptoms can resemble malaria as Kenya’s reported cases reach eight. It urged anyone feeling unwell to seek medical care promptly rather than ignore signs of illness.
The warning follows a positive Ebola test involving a 49-year-old hospital patient attendant. The case brings the country’s reported total to eight, adding pressure to outbreak containment efforts.
Early Ebola symptoms overlap with common illnesses
In its public health alert, the ministry explained that Ebola can initially look like malaria and other common illnesses. Because these symptoms overlap, it stressed the importance of recognising warning signs and seeking medical attention without delay.
According to the ministry, early symptoms typically appear between two and 21 days after infection. These include fever, tiredness, weakness, muscle pain, headache and a sore throat.
Further signs can develop as illness progresses
As the illness progresses, patients may also develop vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. The ministry also listed impaired kidney or liver function among the signs of advancing illness.
Bleeding can occur in later stages. However, the ministry’s warning emphasised the earlier signs, which can resemble more familiar illnesses.
With the reported case count now at eight, the ministry urged Kenyans not to delay seeking care. Its message applies to anyone feeling unwell, because the initial symptoms may not clearly distinguish Ebola from other illnesses.
