Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has denied reports that a man in Wajir County is suspected of suffering from Ebola.
When contacted by the Star for comment, Duale dismissed the reports, saying: “Not true.”
Reports had circulated online alleging that health officials in Wajir were holding a man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and was suspected of suffering from the viral haemorrhagic disease.
According to the reports, the man, a resident of Wajir, had developed severe illness and failed to respond to treatment.
The reports further alleged that he was admitted to a nursing home with symptoms including fever, headache and cough, as well as severe anaemia, with his haemoglobin level said to be 4g/dL.
Preliminary reports indicated that the man told authorities he had travelled by trailer through several countries, spending about five days in different locations and seeking medical treatment before being transported to Malaba.
He later travelled through Nairobi and Isiolo before arriving at his residence in Wajir, where he was reportedly treated for pneumonia and septicaemia for about three days without improvement.
There has been no confirmation that the man has Ebola, and Duale has denied the reports.
Viral haemorrhagic fevers are a group of highly infectious and potentially life-threatening diseases that can damage the circulatory system. Ebola is among the most severe of these diseases.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease, with the patient dying while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
The deceased was safely buried in accordance with established public health protocols.
The government said surveillance and rapid response teams were on the ground, building on preparedness and surveillance systems maintained since the Ebola outbreak began in May.
"As of October 6, Kenya has screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories," State House spokesperson said in a statement.
Of the 267 samples tested, only one had returned positive, that of the deceased patient. No additional positive cases had been detected as of Tuesday.
A total of 4,971 healthcare workers have been trained at national and sub-national levels in Ebola prevention, detection and management.
The government has designated several facilities to manage Ebola Virus Disease, including Kenyatta National Hospital, with eight beds; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, with 50 beds; National Police Hospital, with 49 beds; and The Nairobi Hospital, with 143 beds.
State House said the capacity would be expanded, with additional facilities designated as the situation evolves.
"Kenya is prepared to deal with this public health emergency," State House spokesperson said in a statement.
The government urged Kenyans to remain calm and vigilant, observe strict hand hygiene and avoid contact with people exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
