Amoth: Avoid gatherings, hugging to combat Ebola

Ministry of Health Director General Patrick Amoth has urged Kenyans to avoid large gatherings, handshakes and hugs as the country continues its response to Ebola.

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Amoth said large gatherings could increase contact between people and create opportunities for the spread of the disease.

He urged Kenyans to adopt alternative ways of greeting, such as waving, as part of measures to reduce physical contact.

“We are still in the response phase, and we really discourage large gatherings because they are a potential source of contact and therefore spread of the disease. I want to appeal to Kenyans going forward: we can avoid handshakes and hugging; we can just,” Amoth said.

Amoth said the caution should apply to all forms of large gatherings, including political meetings, family events, church services, concerts and other social gatherings.

“Gatherings are potential hotspots for the spread of the disease, and they are discouraged, whether they are political or family gatherings. Any large gathering poses a risk,” he said.

He also urged Kenyans to continue observing infection prevention and control measures, including regular handwashing with soap and water and the use of hand rubs.

Amoth advised people who develop symptoms to seek medical attention and report to a health facility.

The Director General said adherence to these measures would help limit contact and reduce the risk of further transmission as the country remains in the response phase.

On Monday, Kenya recorded its first imported case of Ebola, the Ministry of Health announced.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient is a Kenyan citizen who has lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the past seven years.

“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform members of the public that it has confirmed the first imported case of Ebola,” Duale said.

He said the patient fell ill about a month ago and received treatment.

Further details on the case are expected to be released by the Ministry of Health.

Duale said that, so far, 28 contacts of the Ebola patient have been identified, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the deceased.

The Health CS said the government was also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight as the deceased.

“So far, we have listed 28 contacts of the deceased, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the deceased.

We are also pursuing a further 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight with the deceased,” Duale said.

He said arrangements had been made to quarantine people considered at risk as part of measures to protect public health.

“Arrangements for the quarantine of those at risk are ongoing to protect public health, and the facilities where they will be quarantined are ready,” he said.

Duale said Kenya had maintained a high level of alert for Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2026.