Panic as woman with suspected Ebola symptoms isolated at Kericho hospital

Health officials in Kericho County are on high alert following a suspected case of Ebola infection.

According to County Health Services Department Chief  Officer, Dr. David  Ekuam, a woman was on Sunday evening put in isolation at the Kericho County Referral Hospital after being taken in with suspected Ebola symptoms.

The patient was traveling to Nairobi from Malaba at the border between Kenya and the neighbouring Uganda, where several people have died following a recent outbreak of the Ebola disease.

Dr. Ekuam said blood samples from the patient have been sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi for further analysis.

The preliminary test results are expected to be ready within the next 12 to 24 hours.

Dr Ekuam assured the public that the County Referral Hospital is capable and well equipped to ensure proper isolation of the patient and protection of other hospital users.

“It is important to note that the symptoms that have been exhibited by the patient can be indicative of any other medical condition and so there is no confirmed case of Ebola in Kericho at the moment,” said Dr. Ekuam.

He said nobody will be allowed into the isolation room where the patient is admitted.