Kenya has intensified preparations against Ebola as it continues to respond to outbreaks of Mpox, dengue fever and measles, with authorities strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity and screening at points of entry.
The Ministry of Interior and National Administration said on Monday, September 14, that Kenya had not recorded a confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), with all suspected cases tested so far returning negative results.
The latest preparedness measures come amid continued Ebola transmission concerns in the region. The World Health Organization said on September 9 that Kenya had recorded no case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, while Uganda's outbreak was declared over on August 26. The Democratic Republic of Congo, however, continued to report transmission, while thousands of people cross Kenya's western border each day.
Kenya had earlier reported that 59 suspected Ebola cases had tested negative by June.
The government has now activated the National EVD Incident Management System and strengthened preparedness at national and county levels.
Four laboratories have been designated for Ebola testing — the National Public Health Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu and a mobile laboratory covering Busia and Bungoma.
The government said healthcare worker training, simulation exercises, stakeholder sensitisation and operationalisation of isolation facilities were ongoing.
“No case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been reported in Kenya, with all the suspected cases tested so far returning negative results. However, the government has activated the National EVD Incident Management System and strengthened preparedness at national and county levels.”
The country is also dealing with a significant Mpox outbreak.
As of September 6, Kenya had recorded 1,298 confirmed Mpox cases and 19 deaths across 40 counties, according to Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni. Mombasa had the highest number at 452 cases, followed by Nairobi with 320 and Busia with 115.
The Ministry said confirmatory laboratory testing of suspected Mpox cases was continuing, while case management had been integrated into routine healthcare services.
Dengue fever is another concern, particularly in northern Kenya.
As of August 26, Garissa and Wajir had reported 1,678 dengue cases, including 1,583 in Garissa and 95 laboratory-confirmed cases in Wajir. Five suspected dengue-related deaths had also been reported in Garissa.
Dadaab accounted for 1,276 cases, making it the most affected area in Garissa, followed by Garissa Township with 251 cases and Fafi with 56.
The government had strengthened laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, as well as community engagement in response to dengue.
Measles cases have also been reported in Baringo, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera and Garissa.
No measles deaths have been reported so far, with authorities intensifying active case searches, surveillance and community engagement.
The Ebola response has particularly focused on border areas. KEMRI has previously supplied infection prevention and control materials to health and border facilities in Busia, including Malaba One Stop Border Point and Busia One Stop Border Point.
The government has also heightened screening at Points of Entry and trained multi-agency teams led by the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service and National Government Administration Officers to monitor informal crossings, truck-driver stopovers and other high-volume areas.
“We wish to reassure the public that these robust surveillance and response measures remain in place. We also urge members of the public to remain vigilant, follow verified public health guidance, and promptly report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or relevant authorities.”