Ministry of Health Acts Swiftly After First Case of Ebola in Uganda

The Ministry of Health has issued directives to all counties following the confirmation of the first case of Ebola in Uganda.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 21, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe directed all counties to be vigilant and enhance surveillance, especially at the borders. 

The CS further directed all counties to activate rapid response teams to support identification of any suspected cases and issue prompt reporting.

Kagwe further alerted county governments to screen at-risk populations like truck drivers and sensitize the community to identify suspected cases.

He called for the sensitization of health care workers on infection, prevention and control measures, case management and sample management.

The CS also alerted counties to mobilize relevant stakeholders to initiate prevention, preparedness and response measures.

However, Kagwe, said that Kenyans should not go into panic, urging them to take precautions while visiting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“As the Ministry takes up these measures and whilst we do not wish people to go into any panic, I call on members of the public to take heightened precautions while visiting Uganda as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Kagwe stated.

The CS urged the public to watch out for any signs of a person presenting acute onset of fever especially if in contact with a person with history travel from Uganda or the DRC.

Other signs to watch out for are vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, headache, sore throat, measles-like rash, red eyes and bleeding from body organs.

Kagwe said that the government is committed to limiting public health threats and shall remain vigilant to ensure citizens are informed and protected from such threats.