The Ministry of Health has issued guidelines to churches on Ebola prevention and control following confirmation of an imported case of Ebola Virus Disease in the country.
In a statement, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government had intensified contact tracing, surveillance at points of entry, public health communication and preparedness at designated isolation and treatment facilities to prevent further transmission.
“We call upon all congregations to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified public health information. Churches have an important role in protecting families and communities by promoting preventive practices, encouraging early reporting and supporting those affected,” Muthoni said.
The PS described Ebola as a serious and potentially deadly infectious disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, including someone who has died from the disease. It can also spread through contaminated materials and infected animals.
She clarified that Ebola does not spread through the air.
Symptoms and Prevention
Muthoni said Ebola symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after infection. Common symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rash. In severe cases, unexplained bleeding may occur.
She urged anyone experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to seek medical advice immediately, warning the public not to wait for bleeding before seeking help.
The PS 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.
“Good hand hygiene helps reduce the risk of infection,” she said.
She also urged the public to avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, urine, faeces, breast milk, semen and other body fluids of anyone suspected or confirmed to have Ebola.
Kenyans were further advised to avoid close physical contact, including kissing and hugging, with anyone who may be infected.
Muthoni warned against handling or sharing clothing, bedding, utensils, razor blades, needles and other items that may have been contaminated by an infected person. She said such materials should only be handled by trained personnel using appropriate infection-prevention measures.
People travelling to or from Ebola-affected areas, healthcare workers, family members and caregivers who come into direct contact with infected people without proper protection face an increased risk of infection.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact health authorities for guidance, even if they feel well.
Warning Against Contact With Infected Animals
The Ministry also cautioned the public against handling sick or dead wild animals, including bats, monkeys, antelopes and porcupines.
Muthoni urged Kenyans not to handle or consume bushmeat from animals suspected of being infected with Ebola.
She said households with a person suspected of having the disease should avoid close physical contact with them and exposure to their body fluids.
Families should not share potentially contaminated personal items and should contact health authorities immediately for guidance on protecting other household members and arranging appropriate medical care.
Healthcare workers and caregivers attending to suspected Ebola cases must follow recommended infection-prevention measures and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
The PS cautioned family members and untrained individuals against attempting to provide direct care to suspected patients without guidance from qualified health professionals.
Contacts Advised to Monitor Symptoms for 21 Days
Muthoni urged anyone who has been in contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient to notify health authorities immediately and follow instructions on symptom monitoring, quarantine or movement restrictions.
People identified as contacts should follow public health guidance on daily symptom monitoring for 21 days after their last possible exposure.
She clarified that not every contact requires isolation, but anyone who develops symptoms must report immediately for assessment.
People who suspect they have contracted Ebola have been advised to call the Ministry of Health toll-free hotline 719 for guidance on safe referral and transport to an appropriate health facility.
They should avoid unnecessary contact with other people while awaiting medical assistance.
The PS also warned that the body of a person who has died from Ebola remains highly infectious. Members of the public were advised not to touch, wash or handle such bodies but instead inform health authorities so trained teams can arrange a safe and dignified burial in line with public health guidelines.
Churches Urged to Promote Awareness and Fight Stigma
The Ministry urged church leaders and congregations to share verified Ebola prevention messages through sermons, church announcements, fellowship meetings and community outreach.
Muthoni said faith leaders could help communities recognise symptoms, report possible exposure promptly, practise good hygiene and support affected families without discrimination.
She also called on the public to avoid spreading rumours, fear and unverified information, urging Kenyans to rely on official Ministry of Health communication channels for updates and guidance.
The PS stressed that people suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, survivors and their families deserve compassion, dignity and support rather than rejection or blame.
She said the Ministry was working closely with county governments, healthcare workers and partners to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and preparedness across the country.
“As faith communities, we have a shared responsibility to protect life, care for one another and ensure that accurate health information reaches every household. Let us encourage those who may have been exposed to seek guidance promptly, support affected families with compassion and follow the advice of health professionals,” Muthoni said.
“We also call upon church leaders to continue using their platforms to promote public health awareness and reassure congregations that vigilance, timely reporting and adherence to preventive measures are essential in protecting our communities.”
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
