Kenya has designated 241 beds across five health facilities to manage Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), as the country steps up preparations following confirmation of its first imported case.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the designated facilities are Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, National Police Hospital, Port Reitz Hospital and The Nairobi Hospital.
The Nairobi Hospital has the largest capacity, with 130 beds designated for Ebola patients, followed by Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital with 50 beds and National Police Hospital with 49 beds.
KNH has been allocated eight beds, while Port Reitz Hospital has four beds.
Duale said the available capacity will be increased through the establishment of additional facilities as the situation evolves.
The Ministry of Health has also designated five facilities as temporary isolation centres for suspected Ebola cases. They include Malaba Health Centre, Busia Border and Kocholia.
Alupe Sub-County Hospital in Busia county is also undergoing renovations to enable it to manage Ebola cases.
The measures come a day after Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case.
The patient, who was diagnosed at The Nairobi Hospital, later died and was accorded a safe and dignified burial organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society.
Duale said the case was identified and diagnosed through the expertise of health workers at The Nairobi Hospital and the Ministry of Health, commending the facility's leadership for its collaboration in managing the patient and listing contacts.
The Ministry has so far identified 57 contacts, an increase from the initial 55.
Ten contacts have been traced and placed under quarantine, where they are undergoing daily symptom monitoring at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi.
Efforts to trace the remaining contacts have been intensified, the CS said.
Kenya has also enhanced screening of travellers from the Ebola disease epicentre at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Gate 16 and other points of entry.
The Ministry has urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, practise strict hand hygiene and avoid contact with people displaying symptoms of illness.
Members of the public have been advised to promptly report suspected symptoms or possible exposure to health authorities and seek care at recognised health facilities.
The Ministry has also urged Kenyans to rely on official communication channels for updates and information on the outbreak. The public can contact the toll-free health line 719 for assistance.
Duale said the government would continue monitoring the situation and expanding response measures as necessary to protect the public and limit the potential spread of Ebola.
