Kenya border health staff on Ebola red alert

The Kenyan government has enhanced screening at border points to prevent and contain the spread of Ebola. In a tweet posted Wednesday, the Kenya National Disaster Operations Centre said port health officers are on standby and are vigilant as the virus spreads in West African countries.

The virus has killed 660 people since it first emerged this year in Guinea. Cases have also been reported in Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

National carrier Kenya Airways recently said its flights from West Africa are safe.

Kenya Airways flies 44 times a week to 10 cities in West Africa.

The spread of Ebola is yet to be declared an epidemic and no travel ban to affected regions has been recommended.

However, there have been talks of new flight restrictions aimed at containing outbreaks.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation said the virus had not impacted the commercial aviation but quick action should be taken to contain its spread.

Ebola is a highly contagious disease that can fell victims quickly by causing severe fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, organ failure and continual bleeding.

According to the World Health Organisation, the disease is fatal in up to 90 per cent of cases and is spread mainly through body fluids including sweat.

An infected person does not pose danger until symptoms begin showing.
The virus has no vaccine, hence the most important safety measure is to isolate a person showing symptoms.

The Daily Nation

UM– USEKE.RW