EBOLA ALERT: Long-Distance Drivers Warned Against 5 Risky Practices

The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has issued a public health alert urging long-distance drivers, conductors and cross-border transport workers to take precautions against Ebola and other infectious diseases.

In a notice dated October 10, 2026, the association called on transport workers to report suspected infections promptly, avoid contact with potentially infectious body fluids and follow guidance from health authorities.

LoDDCA said drivers and their crews play an important role in raising health awareness because their work takes them across counties and international borders, bringing them into contact with traders, passengers, fellow drivers and local communities.

“We are not being asked to panic or stop travelling. We are being called upon to stay informed, act responsibly and report health concerns early,” the association stated.

Drivers Urged to Report Suspected Infections

The association advised drivers to seek medical attention if they become seriously ill or suspect they have been exposed to an infectious disease.

It also urged them to disclose relevant symptoms, exposure and travel history to health workers.

LoDDCA warned transport workers against handling blood or other body fluids from sick people, continuing to drive when seriously unwell or attempting to investigate suspected Ebola cases themselves.

Also Read: REVEALED: Duale Names 20 Kenyan Counties at High Risk of Ebola, Including Mombasa

The notice also called on drivers to avoid spreading unverified outbreak messages and to refrain from stigmatising people based on their nationality, travel history or place of origin.

This alert comes as CS Health Aden Duale announced the first confirmed case after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The patient died on October 6, according to the Ministry of Health.

Drivers Told What to Do and Avoid

LoDDCA urged long-distance drivers to maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

The association also advised them to keep their vehicles, sleeping areas and frequently touched surfaces clean to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

Drivers who become seriously ill or suspect exposure to an infectious disease were advised to seek medical attention promptly rather than continue working or ignore concerning symptoms.

They were also urged to give health workers accurate information about their symptoms, possible exposure and travel history.

The association cautioned transport workers against touching the blood or other body fluids of sick people or handling the body of someone suspected to have died from Ebola.

It also warned against attempting to diagnose or treat suspected cases, leaving medical assessments to authorised health professionals.

Calling further on drivers to follow official health guidance and cooperate with authorized health officials at border points. It warned against spreading unverified outbreak messages or discriminating against people based on their nationality, travel history or place of origin.

LoDDCA Strengthens Disease Reporting Network

LoDDCA said it was strengthening its community-based disease surveillance, awareness and referral network to support early reporting among drivers, transport crews and communities along major transport corridors.

Workers who encounter someone they suspect may have an infectious disease were advised to avoid direct contact with blood or other body fluids and promptly contact the nearest health facility or relevant public health authority.

Also Read: Motorists Stuck for Over 8 Hours Along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway as Accident Causes Major Traffic Snarl

They should provide factual information about the location and nature of the concern without unnecessarily exposing personal information.

The association clarified that it facilitates communication and referral, while official diagnosis and case investigations remain the responsibility of authorized health professionals.

For health alerts, coordination and referral support, transport workers can contact National Chairman Elijah Mwangi on 0724 830 563, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mutua on 0721 496 503 or Secretary-General Elvis Collins on 0722 865 946.

They can also reach the association via info@loddca.or.ke.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates