Health Ministry Issues Statement On Ebola Outbreak In Kenya
Following the confirmed outbreak of the fatal Ebola virus disease in Ituri Province, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Ministry of Health has issued public precautions.
According to the Ministry, laboratory testing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed the presence of the Ebola virus in 13 of the 20 samples tested, with preliminary findings indicating that the outbreak is caused by a non-Zaire strain of the virus.
As of May 15, 2026, authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, four of which were confirmed through lab tests.
Nonetheless, the Ministry of Health stated that Kenya had no recorded Ebola cases as of May 16, 2026, but acknowledged a moderate risk of importation into the country.
Public Health Advisory: Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak in Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo pic.twitter.com/4HeQUYWAYN
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) May 16, 2026
Following the outbreak of the virus in the DR Congo, the government has called on members of the public to remain calm but vigilant.
The Ministry urged individuals to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick individuals, refrain from handling sick or dead animals, and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola.
Kenyans have also been warned against spreading unverified information that could cause panic, with the government calling on Kenyans to only rely on official updates from recognised health authorities.
In response to the outbreak, the government has activated enhanced response measures across the country, including the formation of a National Ebola Preparedness Team to coordinate emergency readiness activities.
Ministry of Health officials have also intensified surveillance for viral haemorrhagic fevers, strengthened screening at airports and border points, and enhanced laboratory preparedness and diagnostic capacity.
The Ministry further stated that it is working closely with international and regional health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), to monitor the evolving situation.
ALSO READ:
- “Some Politicians Get Excited!” – Mama Ida Responds to Mbadi’s Controversial Raila Odinga Remarks
- Health Ministry Issues Statement On Ebola Outbreak In Kenya
- “Broad-Based Gov’t Secured Economic Stability!” – ODM’s Oburu Oginga Claims
- Fresh Details From Kilimani Murder As CCTV Shows Final Moments To The Fatal Stabbing
- “Don’t Declare Independence!” – Trump Warns Taiwan After China Summit
“Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus,” the Ministry stated.
“It spreads through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected person or even contaminated surfaces or materials.”
Health officials noted that infected individuals are not contagious until symptoms begin to appear, with common symptoms including fever, severe weakness and fatigue, headache and muscle pain.
Other symptoms include vomiting or diarrhoea, stomach pain and unexplained bleeding or bruising in severe cases.
Health experts have noted that early detection and treatment significantly improve survival rates.
Health Ministry Issues Statement On Ebola Outbreak In Kenya
