Kenyans have been urged to seek medical advice promptly if they develop a combination of symptoms including fever, fatigue and headache as health authorities step up measures to contain Ebola.
Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris said members of the public should remain vigilant without panicking over ordinary illnesses, noting that health teams consider a combination of symptoms together with a person’s medical and travel history when determining whether isolation or quarantine is necessary.
“However, if you experience three or more symptoms together—such as a fever, fatigue, and headache—you should seek medical advice right away. It is always better to be safe and catch things early to protect yourself and others,” Idris said.
He cautioned against overwhelming health facilities over minor ailments, saying a simple headache on its own should not trigger unnecessary alarm.
Idris said Ebola prevention also starts with individual hygiene, including regular handwashing and limiting unnecessary physical contact.
He further urged people to clean shared surfaces, including gym equipment, as part of efforts to reduce the risk of transmission.
At the community level, he said anyone displaying possible symptoms should be encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
“The Kenya Red Cross emphasizes the importance of taking public health threats seriously without causing unnecessary panic,” Idris said, adding that health organisations were working under the leadership of the Ministry of Health to coordinate the response.
Red Cross managing multiple crises
The warning comes as the Kenya Red Cross manages several emergencies at the same time, including the ongoing response to drought, preparations for possible flooding and Ebola containment efforts.
The organisation says it has about 370,000 volunteers supporting its operations, while also responding to routine emergencies such as road accidents and providing community services.
Idris said the Red Cross remains operational despite the competing demands and is working closely with the government.
He, however, stressed that the effectiveness of the response will depend heavily on public cooperation and adherence to health measures.
Support for people in quarantine
The Red Cross is also working with the government to support vulnerable people who may be required to remain in quarantine.
Drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation is helping provide basic necessities to low-income people who may be unable to work while in isolation.
The organisation is also urging employers to have business continuity plans in place and protect employees who fall ill to reduce the risk of transmission in workplaces.
According to Idris, the Red Cross is providing technical support to organisations while coordinating with the National Task Force as further policy measures are developed.
Government asks Kenyans not to panic
Health authorities have also sought to reassure the public that measures being implemented to contain Ebola are intended to protect communities rather than punish individuals.
Health Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Amoth urged Kenyans to follow public health guidance and take personal responsibility for preventing transmission.
“These measures that we have put in place are not punitive measures, they are supposed to be able to protect us,” Amoth said.
He urged members of the public to protect themselves and their families, noting that this would also help safeguard health workers and ensure that essential services such as maternity care and immunisation continue uninterrupted.
Amoth said Kenya’s preparedness had improved significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased capacity to test and manage suspected cases.
“We are able to test at Busia, Nairobi and Kisumu, our isolation capacity and treatment capacity has significantly improved,” he said.
He called on Kenyans to remain calm while following official health guidance.
“If you think you have been exposed, please call 719,” Amoth said.
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