An American aid worker who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo last week may not be transferred to Kenya for treatment. This development alleviates concerns regarding the US-backed quarantine facility in Nanyuki.
The patient, affiliated with the Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse, contracted the virus while working in eastern DRC, where a significant Ebola outbreak has claimed over 640 lives.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the case last Friday.
Samaritan’s Purse indicated that the employee had been engaged in logistics in Bunia, the main city in Ituri Province, and was not in direct contact with Ebola patients.
The organization reported that he had been in isolation since the previous Monday and was receiving care at one of its Ebola treatment centers in Congo.
While the organization has not disclosed the specific location for the patient’s further treatment, international media suggest preparations are underway to transport him to a specialized treatment center in Frankfurt, Germany.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Germany is the preferred option for evacuation rather than Kenya, as the facility in Laikipia is not yet operational.
The CDC noted that this marks the second American case, following the first patient who was evacuated to Germany in May and has since recovered.
The CDC has advised against non-essential travel to Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces in the DRC.
“Travelers to other regions of DRC or Uganda should take precautions to avoid exposure to Ebola and monitor for symptoms during travel and for 21 days after departure,” the CDC emphasized.
This news comes shortly after Kenya’s High Court suspended the construction of an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, which had been intended for Americans exposed to the virus in Central Africa. The project faced protests and legal challenges from residents concerned that Kenya might become a treatment hub for foreign Ebola patients. Consequently, the court halted the project.
The latest developments are likely to reassure many Kenyans, as the infected American is expected to receive treatment in Europe rather than in Kenya.
Last week, the United States announced a commitment of Sh1.9 billion to enhance Kenya’s Ebola preparedness systems.
“Strengthening preparedness will safeguard the health and economic well-being of Kenyans, minimize the risk of cross-border transmission, and support our shared regional and global health security objectives,” stated the US Embassy in Nairobi.
This funding will focus on enhancing disease surveillance, training health workers, bolstering laboratory capabilities, and supporting screening efforts at airports and border points.
Under this program, over 800 laboratory workers and 1,700 disease detectives have already undergone training.
“In today’s interconnected world, an infectious disease threat anywhere can swiftly escalate into a global crisis,” the embassy remarked.
Although Kenya has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases during the current outbreak, health authorities maintain high vigilance due to the country’s extensive transportation links with East and Central Africa.
Screening measures have intensified at border points, and emergency response teams are on standby.
“While no cases have been reported within the country, we remain vigilant, recognizing that preparedness is our strongest defense against public health emergencies,” Health CS Aden Duale stated.
The outbreak in Congo is attributed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently lacks an approved vaccine or specific treatment. Scientists worldwide are urgently working to develop new vaccines and therapies to combat this disease.
According to the Africa CDC and Congolese authorities, the outbreak has resulted in over 1,800 infections and at least 648 fatalities in Congo. Additionally, cases have spread to neighboring Uganda, which has reported 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, as noted by the World Health Organization.
Uganda’s last confirmed Ebola case was documented on June 21.
