The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised countries against imposing travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Kenya.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the organisation was working with authorities in the three countries to strengthen surveillance and response measures.
The efforts include contact tracing, disease surveillance and screening aimed at identifying potential cases early and limiting further transmission.
Tedros said the WHO was closely monitoring the situation and reviewing measures introduced by countries in response to the Ebola case.
The global health agency maintained that, based on the information currently available, there was no justification for restrictions on travel to or trade with the affected countries.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto directed the National Security Council Committee (NSCC) to convene and assess Kenya’s response following confirmation of the country’s first imported Ebola case.
Also Read: Health DG Patrick Amoth Issues Ebola Transmission and Symptoms Advisory
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said on Tuesday that the President had instructed the committee to recommend measures necessary to protect Kenyans and contain the virus.
The government has since stepped up disease surveillance, contact tracing and other public health interventions to prevent further transmission.
Mohamed said eight family members of the deceased patient had been placed under quarantine and were being monitored daily for symptoms.
A further 21 healthcare workers who treated the patient were also quarantined and placed under close observation.
Authorities have also identified and contacted 27 passengers who travelled with the patient from Uganda to Kenya.
The government further confirmed that the deceased patient had been safely buried in accordance with established public health protocols.
