Uasin Gishu County Issues Public Advisory on Ebola Outbreak in Region

The County Government of Uasin Gishu, through its Department of Health Services, has issued a public notice alerting residents about an ongoing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

In the notice, the county clarified that there are currently no reported or confirmed Ebola cases within Uasin Gishu County. However, health authorities said they remain on high alert and are strengthening surveillance and response measures against viral haemorrhagic diseases.

According to the advisory, Ebola is a severe and often fatal illness spread through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids, contaminated surfaces, and infected animals or dead bodies.

Health officials listed common symptoms of the disease as sudden fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, fatigue, and unexplained bleeding.

Residents have been urged to maintain high standards of hygiene, including regular hand washing with soap and clean water or the use of alcohol-based sanitizers. The public was also advised to avoid contact with sick persons, body fluids, and dead bodies without protective measures.

The county further warned against handling or consuming bush meat and urged anyone experiencing symptoms, especially after travelling from affected areas, to seek immediate medical attention.

To strengthen preparedness, the Department of Health said it has enhanced disease surveillance and screening at borders and airports, activated rapid response teams, increased public awareness campaigns, and improved isolation and emergency response capacity.

Authorities called on residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours, and rely on official communication from health agencies.

Emergency hotline numbers provided in the notice include:

• County Disaster Hotline: 0710646464

• Ambulance/Health Services: 0754027027

• Dispatch Centre: 0700027027 / 0754027027