Kenya calls Saudi Ebola travel restrictions excessive

Kenya’s Ministry of Health described as “excessive” and unjustified the restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia after an Ebola outbreak emerged, according to Kenyans.co.ke and Tuko. Riyadh suspended travel by its citizens to Kenya, stopped issuing visas to Kenyan travellers and barred them from entering, including in transit, according to Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

Minister Aden Duale said the 135 people who had been in contact with the imported case had been identified and monitored, including 118 placed in quarantine. The eight confirmed cases were linked to the initial case, with no community transmission; no new case had been reported since 19 October, according to Tuko. Four of those infected were healthcare workers and four were members of the patient’s family, the outlet said.

Kenya had recorded two deaths and seven patients still receiving treatment. Five of them had tested negative in an initial test; a second test was scheduled for 2 November and their discharge from hospital was being considered for 3 November, according to Kenyans.co.ke. Tuko said 46 contacts were also due to complete their quarantine on 3 November, bringing the number released to 66, including the 20 already discharged.

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is to continue discussions with Riyadh. The Ministry of Health called on international partners to support Kenya’s response rather than impose restrictions that could isolate the country, Tuko reports.