From The Rio Times · Amina Diarra · · 2m
Kenya Tightens Ebola Checks at Nairobi Airport
Kenya adds Gate 16 screening for 10 African arrivals after first Ebola case.
In brief
Kenya adds Gate 16 screening for 10 African arrivals after first Ebola case. Kenya requires travelers from 10 African countries to pass through Gate 16 at Nairobi airport for enhanced health checks following its first imported Ebola case. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Ebola screening tightened
Kenya has added a dedicated gate for arrivals from 10 African countries at Nairobi’s main airport.
“Fill in the online form even before you land”
First imported Ebola case
Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case on Tuesday, 6 October, from a man who traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gate 16 list
The 10 countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and the Central African Republic.
Health checks required
Passengers must provide verified health details and disclose any medication taken in the previous month.
Online form
Mary Muthoni, Kenya’s principal secretary for public health, urged travelers to fill in an online form before landing to reduce airport crowding.
“Fill in the online form even before you land”
CDC travel advice
The CDC rates the risk to Americans and travelers as low, listing one confirmed case and one death in Kenya.
US entry rules
US citizens need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) from US$30, with immediate processing for an extra US$100.
Travel advisory
The State Department rates Kenya Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, with no changes since Kenya’s case.
Ebola virus
The virus is Bundibugyo, one of the viruses that cause Ebola disease, with Congo’s outbreak reaching 8,665 confirmed cases and 4,178 confirmed deaths by 5 October.
Quarantine measures
Kenya has set aside 241 beds for isolation, treatment, and quarantine, including Port Reitz Hospital in Mombasa.
Tourism impact
Kenya’s tourism earnings reached about KSh 500 billion (US$3.9 billion) with 2.7 million international arrivals.
WHO advice
The World Health Organization advises against travel restrictions to Kenya, Congo, and Uganda, favoring screening and contact tracing.
What’s next
Flight contacts exposed on 3 October reach the end of the 21-day monitoring period around Saturday, 24 October.
Travel advice
Travelers should apply for the eTA early, carry insurance, and monitor health for 21 days after potential exposure.
What’s unknown
It is unclear whether passengers changing planes in listed countries face Gate 16 or when exit screening will start.
At a glance
Kenya requires travelers from 10 African countries to pass through Gate 16 at Nairobi airport for enhanced health checks following its first imported Ebola case.
