WHO Warns Against Travel, Trade Bans as Kenya Reports Ebola Case

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries against imposing travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Kenya.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the organisation was working with the governments of the three countries to strengthen measures aimed at identifying possible contacts and preventing further transmission of the virus.

"WHO is supporting the governments of Kenya, the DRC, and Uganda in contact tracing, surveillance, screening, and other response measures to rapidly identify potential cases and prevent further spread of the virus," he wrote.

Tedros said the WHO was monitoring the situation and assessing measures being taken by countries in response to the outbreak.

"WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, the affected countries based on the currently available information. We continue to closely monitor and, where necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this epidemic," he added.

Following the confirmation of the case, President William Ruto ordered the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to convene and assess the situation following the first imported case of Ebola virus disease in Kenya. 

In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the President tasked NCSS to recommend necessary measures to safeguard the country from the Ebola virus.

"President William Ruto this afternoon ordered the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to convene and assess the situation following the death of a patient confirmed as an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease and to recommend the necessary measures to safeguard the country," he stated. 

Mohamed said the government has intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and public health measures to prevent further transmission of the Ebola virus. 

He noted that 8 family members of the deceased Ebola patient have been laced under quarantine and are undergoing symptom monitoring. 

Mohamed mentioned that 21 healthcare workers who attended to the deceased have also been placed under quarantine. 

"Eight family members of the deceased have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing daily symptom monitoring. Twenty-one healthcare workers who attended to the deceased have also been placed under quarantine and are being closely monitored," he added. 

Mohamed also said 27 passengers who travelled with the Ebola patient from Uganda to Kenya have been identified and contacted. 

Further, he announced that the deceased patient has been safely buried in accordance with health protocols. 

"The deceased has been safely buried in accordance with established public health protocols," he further said.