- The US Embassy in Kenya issued a health and safety notice to American citizens following confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo cases in Nairobi
- The CDC issued a Travel Health Notice for Kenya, recommending precautions after the Ministry of Health confirmed an imported case and linked cases
- The Embassy cautioned that Kenyan medical facilities frequently require upfront payment and often lack sufficient medicine and equipment
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Amos Khaemba is a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Khaemba has over four years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2022.
The United States Embassy in Kenya has issued a public notice warning American citizens about health risks in the country, following confirmation of Ebola Bundibugyo virus cases in Nairobi.
Source: UGC
The advisory comes after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Travel Health Notice specifically covering Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in Kenya.
CDC issues Ebola travel health notice for Kenya
The CDC notice stated that Kenya's Ministry of Health had confirmed an imported case of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in Nairobi, along with additional linked cases. Local health authorities are currently conducting contact tracing and assessing the potential for further transmission.
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The CDC advised travellers to exercise standard precautions, including avoiding contact with anyone displaying symptoms associated with Ebola, such as fever, muscle pain, and rash, or their body fluids.
"If you develop fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising: separate yourself from others immediately, do not travel, and contact local health authorities or a healthcare facility for advice," the CDC said, adding that calling ahead before visiting a facility allows staff to prepare and take necessary precautions.
US Embassy cautions on state of healthcare in Kenya
Alongside the CDC notice, the US Embassy flagged concerns about the quality and accessibility of medical care in Kenya.
The Embassy noted that medical services are limited, particularly in rural areas, and that facilities often lack adequate medicine and equipment.
"Please see our section on Travel from Ebola-Impacted or Elevated Risk Countries section. Medical services in Kenya are limited. They are often unavailable in rural areas. Medical facilities in Kenya often lack sufficient medicine and equipment. Except for a few private medical facilities based in the large urban centers with enhanced capability, many health issues may require medical evacuation at your own expense. Medical facilities will usually deny service if payment is not made upfront," the embassy warned.
The Embassy also raised concerns about certain rehabilitation and substance abuse facilities operating across the country, stating that some function with little or no government oversight and that physical and emotional abuse is common in such places.
It warned that residents, including American nationals, have been held in these facilities against their will.
The dual advisories from the CDC and the US Embassy underscore the heightened concern over the Ebola situation in Kenya, with authorities urging both travellers and residents to remain vigilant and seek verified medical care promptly should symptoms arise.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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