The government urges Kenyans to remain calm as it strengthens measures to prevent the spread of Ebola.

Gov’t Urges Calm Over Ebola

BY : PENNINAH MUCHIRI

The Government has urged Kenyans to remain calm following the confirmation of the country’s first imported case of Ebola.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government has systems in place to prevent the possible spread of the virus in the country.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, Duale said health authorities have maintained heightened surveillance since the Ebola outbreak began in the region.
He urged Kenyans not to panic and encouraged them to follow health guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry has advised the public to regularly wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Kenyans have also been urged to avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially those arriving from countries reporting active Ebola transmission.
The government has also strengthened surveillance, screening at points of entry, laboratory testing and response teams. Isolation and treatment facilities have been prepared to help manage suspected or confirmed cases.
The confirmed case involved a Kenyan citizen who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda to Nairobi. The patient later died after testing positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Health authorities have identified contacts and are tracing other people who may have been exposed.
Duale called on Kenyans to remain vigilant and rely on information from official health authorities to avoid misinformation and unnecessary fear.
The Ministry of Health says it will continue monitoring the situation and take further measures if necessary.