Duale Issues Directives to Counties Amid Ebola Outbreak Concerns

Kenya has put all counties on alert and immediately activated a heightened Ebola preparedness and response phase in response to the confirmed outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and an imported Ebola virus disease (EVD). case to Uganda.

The East African nation has reported cases of suspected and deaths from EVD outbreaks which occurred between May and July 2026.

A total of 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported in Ituri Province, in the east of DRC, according to the report issued by Africa CDC, dated May 16, 2026.

The disease was reported in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with suspect EBOVD cases also reported in Bunia Town health areas.

Ten confirmed EVD cases, among them four deaths, were reported out of twenty tested samples by the Kinshasa-based National Biomedical Research Institute.

“The Ministry of Health wishes to notify all County Governments, County Departments of Health, healthcare workers, and the public of an alert issued by the Africa CDC regarding a confirmed outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Ituri Province, eastern DRC,” read part of a circular from the Ministry.

The health ministry cautioned that the epidemic had spread regionally to Uganda after an imported case of EBOVD in that country.

On May 11, 2026, the 59-year-old Congolese national traveled to Uganda from the DRC to seek medical care, was admitted at the Kibuli Muslim Hospital, where he succumbed on May 14.

The Uganda Central Emergency Surveillance and Response Laboratory tests confirmed the suspected patient suffered from EBOVD.

Uganda is implementing stringent entry point screening measures at its ports of entry and along its borders and contact tracing mechanisms.

To date, Kenya has not confirmed or suspected cases of EVD; however, the country is a key conduit for people and goods within the region, hence requiring immediate health preparedness measures.

“All County Governments are hereby directed to immediately activate and enhance preparedness and response measures,” the Ministry urged all counties.

This includes increased entry-point screening along borders, strengthened community-based surveillance, and activation of county rapid response teams.

County health facilities will be supplied with PPEs and will have efficient systems for referring specimens for testing at the national laboratory.

The Ministry assures Kenyans that it is closely monitoring the situation and providing prompt and effective services where necessary.