The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has assured Kenyans that public gatherings can continue despite ongoing preparedness measures following the detection of an imported case of Ebola virus disease in the country.
In a statement issued by Secretary-General Dr Lyndah Kemunto, the association said the Ministry of Health had confirmed that there were currently no restrictions on travel, trade, transport or public gatherings.
The advisory, based on a communication issued by the Health Cabinet Secretary on October 11, allows weddings, funerals, religious services, conferences, school activities and sporting events to proceed, subject to basic hygiene measures and temperature checks at entry points.
KMA urged the public to follow official Ministry of Health updates, noting that the guidance could change depending on the evolving public health situation.
The association also sought to clarify how Ebola spreads, warning against misinformation and stigma as the country strengthens its response to the outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain.
According to KMA, Ebola does not spread through the air but through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died, as well as objects contaminated with those fluids.
The association said people who have no symptoms do not transmit the disease and cautioned that Ebola symptoms, including sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, may resemble those of malaria and typhoid.
It emphasised that medical assessment and laboratory testing are necessary to confirm an Ebola infection.
Organisers urged to strengthen hygiene
KMA called on organisers of public events to provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitiser, conduct temperature checks and designate a person to respond to suspected illness and coordinate with the nearest health facility.
Members of the public were advised to wash their hands frequently, stay at home when unwell, avoid contact with the body fluids of sick people and refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, cups and utensils.
The association also issued special guidance on funerals, urging families not to wash, touch or prepare the bodies of people who die following sudden illness accompanied by fever or bleeding.
Instead, families should contact the nearest health facility so that public health authorities can facilitate a safe and dignified burial.
Travellers advised to seek help early
People who have travelled from affected areas, been identified as contacts or been near suspected cases were urged to seek immediate guidance if they develop symptoms.
KMA advised such individuals to avoid gatherings, refrain from self-medication and contact the Ministry of Health through its toll-free line, 719, or by dialling *719#.
They should also disclose their travel history to health workers to support timely assessment and appropriate management.
The association warned that misinformation and stigma could undermine efforts to contain the disease by discouraging people from reporting symptoms or seeking medical attention.
It urged Kenyans to rely on information from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and qualified health professionals, while avoiding the circulation of unverified messages.
KMA said the rapid detection of Kenya’s first imported Ebola case and the tracing of contacts demonstrated the importance of existing public health surveillance systems.
The association called on Kenyans to maintain basic preventive measures, seek medical attention early when symptoms develop and share only verified information as the country continues its Ebola preparedness efforts.
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