Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe has pointed out the need for the people to also screen for ebola, given that Kenya and Uganda share borders,
The Ministry of Health announced that Kenya will start screening truck drivers, bush meat handlers, healthcare workers and travellers for Ebola disease.
In a statement, Kagwe said counties that share borders with affected countries have been advised to sensitise their residents and healthcare workers to enable them to identify Ebola cases, institute prevention measures and gain proficiency in the case and sample management.
In his words:
“Mobilise all the relevant stakeholders to initiate prevention, preparedness and response measures.
“Uganda has reported Ebola outbreaks in the past, largely influenced by outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is important to note that there is substantial human traffic between Uganda and Kenya for trade and other socioeconomic activities.
“The main form of transport between the two countries is Lake Victoria, with the airport connection. All these put Kenya at high risk of disease importation and, therefore, we need to be vigilant and report any case.”
Although Kenya has never had a confirmed case of Ebola, it has a national preparedness and response contingency plan.
