Ebola is here; stay vigilant, experts urge Kenyans

Members of the Red Cross dressing up in protective clothing before the burial of the first Kenyan Ebola victim at Langata Cemetery. [Courtesy]

Health experts have urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe public health measures to prevent Ebola infections and contain its spread.

Experts say Ebola is a lethal disease and Kenyans should take precautions to prevent further transmission.

“Ebola is not a joke. Kenyans should understand the disease is here,” said Prof Wallace Bulimo, a molecular virologist at KEMRI.

Bulimo, who heads pandemic and emergency preparedness, said the Bundibugyo strain has a high fatality rate.

“The fatality rate of Ebola, of this particular Bundibugyo virus, is 50 per cent. This is what we have witnessed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”

“We do not want to have such an experience of death as a result of Ebola that is ravaging DRC.”

The researcher said the population should not take any chances, as a single case can cause a state of emergency.

His sentiments were echoed by Dr Paul Olale, public health in emergencies technical lead at the Kenya Red Cross Society.

Olale said it was worrying that Kenyans were comparing Ebola and Covid-19.

He said the two diseases are different and urged Kenyans to observe all public health measures to prevent the importation of additional cases and transmission from the first confirmed case.

“Ebola and Covid-19 are two different diseases. Ebola is lethal. Kenyans should not wait until the disease catches them,” said Olale.

Among the containment measures are regular handwashing with soap and water, use of hand sanitiser and avoiding unnecessary contact with people who are sick.

People have also been urged to avoid crowded places where possible and unnecessary travel, particularly when unwell.

Olale explained that although Ebola is not transmitted through the air, the virus can spread when an infected person releases body fluids or secretions.

“Ebola is not transmitted by air, but in a scenario where someone presents with symptoms and they release secretions through a cough, it is likely to transmit the virus,” said Olale.

Individuals have also been warned against consuming bush meat and handling wild animals that could be infected.

At the same time, Olale advised individuals to seek medical attention whenever they develop symptoms associated with Ebola.

He explained that Ebola is a viral haemorrhagic fever.

The virus has a natural reservoir in bats and can spill over to humans through contact with infected wild animals.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.

These fluids include vomit, urine, saliva, sweat and semen, as well as other secretions and organs of an infected person.

The virus can also spread through contaminated objects and surfaces.

Health workers practise safe PPE removal during Ebola response training in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, on July 10, 2026. [AFP]

Symptoms of Ebola include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, extreme tiredness, chills and sore throat.

In advanced stages, a patient may present with vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, skin rash and red eyes.

Some patients may develop unexplained bruising or bleeding, including bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool and other unusual bleeding.

Olale explained that people do not transmit Ebola before they develop symptoms.

The incubation period for Ebola is between two and 21 days.

He warned people against waiting to seek medical attention when they develop symptoms.

Additionally, Olale said people who panic after interacting with someone showing symptoms, or someone with a travel history from an affected area, should contact the Kenya Red Cross Society through 1199 or the Ministry of Health through 719.

“We should stop stigmatisation and not start labelling individuals simply because they might have been in contact”

“Such a move might lead to spread because people will fear going to hospital,” warned Olale.

The Kenya Red Cross Society, working jointly with the government, has been delegated the mandate to conduct risk communication and community engagement. The society is also supporting contact tracing and case identification.

IT is also expected to support safe burials in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols to minimise the risk of transmission.

Experts are, however, asking Kenyans not to panic.

“There is nothing to be scared about. Science about Ebola is clear, and Kenyans should be sensitised,” said Prof Omu Anzala, a virologist.

He said prevention and control of Ebola depend heavily on communities.

For example, he said, containing Ebola has been difficult in DRC because of myths surrounding the disease and cultural practices, particularly those involving the handling of the dead.

Kenya reported its first imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease on October 6.

The Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation on May 17, 2026, after cases were reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DRC is facing a large-scale outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus disease. More than 4,000 deaths have been reported, with more than 8,300 confirmed cases.

Uganda previously reported cases linked to the outbreak but was declared Ebola-free two months ago.

France also reported a case of the virus, but the patient recovered in July.

In the DRC, authorities have banned large gatherings and masses as part of measures to contain the outbreak.

However, some communities have continued to defy protocols on the handling of the dead, increasing the risk of further infections.

In one incident, an angry group of young people reportedly stormed and torched a health centre after demanding the release of the body of a young man who was reported to have died from Ebola.

Despite increased surveillance, local health officials have warned of rising cases.

Local health workers have also raised communication concerns, saying some communities are yet to accept that their loved ones have died from Ebola.

Others still do not believe that Ebola exists.

To handle myths and misconceptions about the disease, experts urged the Ministry of Health to intensify public education on Ebola, including how it spreads, its symptoms, prevention and management.

Prof Anzala said communication on the disease was critical because many members of the public still do not understand Ebola.

Better public awareness, he said, would help communities recognise symptoms early, seek medical attention and cooperate with health authorities.