Ebola: Kenya says outbreak contained and disputes Saudi measures
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Capital FM
Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale says Kenya has recorded no new Ebola infection since 19 October and that no community transmission has been detected. He disputes Saudi measures linked to the outbreak, while Kenya’s toll remains eight confirmed cases and two deaths, according to the Health Ministry cited by Capital FM.
Kenya says it has contained its Ebola outbreak and disputes measures taken against it by Saudi Arabia. Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale said on Saturday that no new infections had been reported since 19 October and that no community transmission had been observed, according to the Ministry of Health.
The authorities monitored 135 people who had been in contact with the first patient, 118 of whom were placed in quarantine. The eight confirmed cases are linked to that initial patient: four involved healthcare workers and four involved family members. The outbreak has caused two deaths, including the initial case, while seven patients remained under care and were responding well to treatment.
Five patients had received an initial negative test and were due to undergo a second test on 2 November. Their release was being considered for 3 November, along with that of 46 people who had been placed in quarantine and had developed no symptoms. Twenty other contacts had already completed their quarantine.
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was due to continue discussions with Riyadh to challenge the restrictions. Minister Aden Duale called on the international community to support the health response rather than impose travel restrictions or isolate Kenya. The announcement comes after Nairobi deemed Saudi travel restrictions excessive on 31 October.
