The Ministry of Health has urged churches across Kenya to intensify public awareness on Ebola prevention, encourage early reporting of suspected cases and support affected families as the government strengthens measures to contain the risk of further transmission.
In a notice to be read on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki called on church leaders and congregations to promote verified public health information, observe preventive measures and remain vigilant following the confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in Kenya.
The directive highlights the role of faith-based institutions in reaching households with accurate information, recognising possible symptoms and encouraging people who may have been exposed to seek medical advice promptly.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform all Kenyans that the country has confirmed an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease,” the notice states, adding that the government has intensified contact tracing, surveillance at points of entry, public health communication and preparedness at designated isolation and treatment facilities.
Churches have been encouraged to incorporate Ebola prevention messages into sermons, fellowship meetings, church announcements and community outreach programmes.
The ministry said congregations should remain calm and rely on verified information from official health authorities rather than spreading rumours or unconfirmed reports that could fuel fear and stigma.
Warning over symptoms and transmission
The Ministry of Health cautioned Kenyans against direct contact with the blood and body fluids of people who are sick with or have died from Ebola, as well as materials contaminated by infected individuals.
The disease does not spread through the air, according to the notice, but can be transmitted through direct contact with infected body fluids and contaminated materials.
Symptoms may develop between two and 21 days after infection and include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rash.
In severe cases, unexplained bleeding may occur, although the ministry warned that people should not wait for bleeding to develop before seeking medical advice.
The ministry also advised Kenyans to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 70 per cent alcohol.
People were further cautioned against sharing potentially contaminated clothing, bedding, utensils, razor blades, needles and other personal items.
Contacts urged to report exposure immediately
The ministry urged anyone who may have come into contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient to notify health authorities immediately, even if they feel well.
Individuals identified as contacts should follow instructions from public health officials, including daily symptom monitoring for 21 days after their last possible exposure.
However, the notice clarified that not every contact necessarily requires isolation, with decisions on monitoring, quarantine and movement restrictions to be guided by public health authorities.
Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should report immediately for assessment.
People who suspect they may have Ebola have been advised to call the Ministry of Health’s toll-free hotline, 719, for guidance on safe referral and transport to an appropriate health facility.
They should avoid unnecessary contact with others while waiting for medical assistance.
Families warned against caring for suspected cases without guidance
The ministry cautioned families against attempting to provide direct care to suspected Ebola patients without guidance from qualified health professionals.
Household members were advised to avoid close physical contact with suspected cases, refrain from exposure to their body fluids and avoid sharing personal items that could be contaminated.
Healthcare workers and caregivers attending to suspected patients must follow infection-prevention procedures and use recommended personal protective equipment.
The notice also warned against handling the bodies of people who may have died from Ebola, noting that such bodies remain highly infectious.
Families were urged to notify health authorities immediately so that trained teams can arrange safe and dignified burials in line with public health guidelines.
Kenyans were also advised to avoid handling sick or dead wild animals, including bats, monkeys, antelopes and porcupines, and not to handle or consume bushmeat from animals suspected of being infected.
Call to fight stigma and misinformation
Beyond prevention, the ministry urged religious leaders and communities to treat suspected and confirmed patients, survivors and their families with compassion and dignity.
It warned against discrimination, rejection and blame, emphasising that affected people should be supported to access appropriate medical care while observing recommended safety measures.
The notice also highlighted the need for male Ebola survivors to follow medical guidance on sexual activity because the virus can persist in semen after recovery. Survivors were advised to follow recommendations on abstinence or condom use until testing confirms that the virus is no longer present.
The ministry said it would continue working with county governments, healthcare workers and partners to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and national preparedness.
Kenyans seeking information, reporting suspected cases or requiring referral guidance can contact the ministry through the toll-free hotline 719, USSD code *719#, the Jali WhatsApp Assistant on 0700 719 719, or the Ministry of Health website, www.health.go.ke.
The ministry called on faith communities to complement the national response by ensuring that accurate information reaches households, encouraging timely reporting and supporting healthcare workers and affected families.
It urged Kenyans to remain vigilant without panic, stressing that early reporting, adherence to public health guidance and community cooperation are essential in protecting lives and preventing further transmission.
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