Kenya faces first Ebola outbreak

Kenya is dealing with its first ever Ebola outbreak. Nine cases have been confirmed, including the first patient who travelled from DR Congo and died two weeks ago.

All cases linked to first victim

Four relatives of the first victim, three health workers and a hospital cleaner have tested positive. All nine confirmed cases are linked to the man who arrived from DR Congo.

Concerns about wider spread

Concerns are rising that the virus could spread further. The US has warned its citizens against travelling to Kenya, while Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia are also on alert.

DR Congo outbreak is severe

More than four thousand people have died since Ebola was confirmed in DR Congo in May, making it the second most deadly outbreak. DR Congo has more than nine thousand five hundred cases.

Rare virus with no approved vaccine

The latest outbreak has been caused by the Bundibugyo species, which is relatively rare. There is no approved vaccine or treatment, though trials are under way.

Questions about first patient's journey

Kenyans raised questions about how the first patient spent time in the region worst-affected by Ebola, then travelled to two more countries before his illness was identified.

Border staff concerns raised

The doctors' union in Kenya expressed concerns at lapses at various border points, including with Uganda and Tanzania, and at Kenya's main airport. Dennis Miskellah said border facilities were grossly understaffed.

Government says patients improving

Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said on Tuesday evening that the eight patients were all improving and responding well to treatment.

“the eight patients were all improving and responding well to treatment”

Enhanced screening at ten countries

Kenya introduced enhanced screening for travellers from ten countries: DR Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Travellers must complete digital forms

Travellers arriving from high-risk countries must complete a digital surveillance form before boarding flights and present a QR code to port health officials on arrival.

Nearly five thousand trained workers

Kenya's health ministry says nearly five thousand healthcare workers have been trained to deal with Ebola at national and local levels. Designated treatment and isolation facilities have been set up across the country.

Ninety-nine percent of contacts traced

In Kenya, one hundred thirty-four out of one hundred thirty-five people listed as contacts of the first patient remain in quarantine. That means about ninety-nine percent of contacts have been traced and isolated.

Health workers at higher risk

Three health workers and a hospital cleaner are among those infected. Health workers can face higher risk because caring for infected patients brings them into contact with blood and other bodily fluids.

No travel ban or lockdown planned

Kenya remains open with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings. The authorities have explicitly ruled out a national lockdown or general travel ban for Kenyans.

Neighbours tighten surveillance

Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Somalia have announced tightening of surveillance measures and enhanced screening for visitors. One suspected case in Somalia is under quarantine with samples sent to Kenya for testing.