No Ebola in Kenya, Health CS says

The Government has said there has been no case of Ebola reported in Kenya despite a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Health CS Sicily Kariuki however said government health facilities are capable of handling any cases that may arise.

“We have strengthened the routine screening of travellers at JKIA and as well as all the entry points into the country totaling 43, in all these places,” the CS said.

She was speaking during an inspection of health facilities at the airport on Friday morning.

17 people have been confirmed dead after an Ebola outbreak in Équateur Province.

On Wednesday, the Government announced that all travelers coming to Kenya from the DRC through various entry points will be screened.

Out of the 101 health officials deployed, CS Kariuki said 60 have been moved to the airport.

“The Ministry of Health has installed one electronic thermal screener, handguns and other support systems,” she told journalists.

“My ministry established the National Health Emergencies Council to work expeditiously to prevent importation of any virus or disease.

“Adequate measures have been put in place to ensure that such a virus will not be introduced in the country,” she added.

On his part, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala indicated that he has been in touch with his DRC counterpart who assured him the situation is under control.

“However, we will still be doing screening of visitors particularly those from West Africa,” he said.