The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Nairobi, Kenya: The Ministry of Health Thursday assured Kenyans that it is prepared to detect and promptly deal with any likely cases of Ebola, following a worldwide outcry over the disease outbreak.
The disease has raised concern after at least 600 people in West Africa succumbed to the virus and over 1,200 others infected.
In a press statement, Director of Medical Services Nicholas Muraguri said that Ministry of Health has advised Health workers to remain vigilant for unexplained illness in those who have visited the affected areas.
“We have also stepped up surveillance at all ports of entry and this will enable prompt detection, notification and appropriate management of any suspected cases in the country.”
Several countries have halted flights to affected West African Countries for fear of spreading the virus.
In Sierra Leone, the president has declared a public health emergency to curb the Ebola outbreak, saying epicentres of the virus would be quarantined and asked security forces to enforce the measures.
In Kenya, panic has gripped parts of western region following rumour that some people had been infected. Several people turned up in hospitals for checkups as a result.
However, the ministry of health says there is no need for restricting travel to West Africa or any other region where an outbreak has been reported as the disease is only spread through direct contact with infected persons’ body fluids.
“The risk of travelers contracting Ebola is considered low because it requires direct contact with body fluids or secretions such as urine, blood, sweat or saliva. Ebola can't be spread like flu through casual contact or breathing in the same air, said Muraguri.
He added that the risk to travelers and people working in affected countries of contracting Ebola is very low.
“The World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health do not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied to the affected West African countries based on the current information available about the Ebola outbreak, he said.
join