Ruto Orders National Security Committee to Assess Kenya’s Ebola Threat After First Imported Case
President William Ruto has directed the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to convene and assess Kenya’s response to the country’s first confirmed imported case of Ebola Virus Disease after the patient died.
The directive, issued on Tuesday, October 6, comes as health authorities intensify surveillance, contact tracing and other public-health measures aimed at preventing further transmission of the virus.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said President Ruto had tasked the NSCC with assessing the situation and recommending measures required to safeguard the country.
“President William Ruto this afternoon ordered the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to convene and assess the situation following the death of a patient confirmed as an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease and to recommend the necessary measures to safeguard the country,” Mohamed said.
The development marks a significant escalation in Kenya’s response after months of preparedness prompted by Ebola outbreaks in the region. The Ministry of Health had previously strengthened surveillance at airports and border points, laboratory preparedness and emergency response capacity because of the risk of cross-border transmission.
Family Members and Health Workers Quarantined
Authorities have begun tracing people who may have been exposed to the deceased patient.
According to the government, eight family members of the deceased have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing daily monitoring for symptoms.
A further 21 healthcare workers who attended to the patient have also been quarantined and are being closely monitored.
“Eight family members of the deceased have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing daily symptom monitoring,” Mohamed said.
“Twenty-one healthcare workers who attended to the deceased have also been placed under quarantine and are being closely monitored.”
Contact tracing has also been extended to passengers who travelled with the patient. Authorities have identified and contacted 27 passengers who travelled on the same journey from Uganda to Kenya.
The government said the deceased was subsequently buried in accordance with established public-health protocols.
Government Steps Up Ebola Surveillance
The response follows earlier preparations by the Ministry of Health, which had activated national Ebola preparedness structures and strengthened surveillance, screening and laboratory capacity amid outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
In June, the ministry said Kenya was enhancing screening at airports and land border crossings, while rapid-response teams and other emergency structures were being prepared to respond to possible cases.
The Ministry of Health has also advised the public to remain vigilant and rely on official information while avoiding unverified reports that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Patrick Amoth Explains How Ebola Spreads
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth has sought to clarify how Ebola is transmitted, saying the virus is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person or the body of someone who has died from the disease.
Amoth said transmission can also occur when a person comes into contact with contaminated surfaces through broken skin or mucous membranes.
He stressed that Ebola is not transmitted through ordinary airborne or droplet spread.
The health official listed symptoms associated with Ebola as including fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, bleeding manifestations.
Amoth urged members of the public to maintain good hand hygiene and exercise caution around anyone showing symptoms consistent with the disease.
“I want to appeal to Kenyans going forward: we can avoid handshakes and hugging; we can just wave,” he said.
The Ministry of Health has previously advised people experiencing symptoms, particularly after travel to areas affected by Ebola, to seek medical attention promptly and to rely on official public-health information.
The NSCC assessment is expected to guide the government on any additional measures required as health authorities continue monitoring identified contacts and working to prevent further transmission.
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