Kenya has reported four additional Ebola cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to seven, including the first patient who succumbed to the disease.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, the Ministry of Health said all four new patients had developed fever before testing positive for the virus.
The latest infections involve a male relative of the first patient who died and three health workers who provided medical care to him while he was hospitalised.
"This brings the total number of confirmed cases to seven (7), including the deceased first case," the Ministry said in a statement signed by Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
The Ministry disclosed that the male relative had been in quarantine since October 6, while the three healthcare workers had been isolated since October 9.
The three health workers comprise two men and one woman aged 29, 35 and 32, respectively. They had attended to the first Ebola patient between October 3 and 4 before being placed under quarantine as authorities intensified efforts to contain the outbreak.
Laboratory tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) confirmed the four infections.
The patients are currently receiving supportive treatment at designated healthcare facilities.
Kenya's current Ebola testing protocol requires samples to be examined at both laboratories to verify positive results before an infection is confirmed.
Health officials attributed the early identification of the latest cases to the quarantine measures already in place. The arrangements helped authorities detect the infections before the patients could potentially expose their families and members of the wider public to the virus.
"The Ministry wishes to reassure Kenyans that the risk to the general public remains low as there is no evidence of community transmission of the disease," Amoth said.
Meanwhile, Vantage Ke has learnt that the second and third patients are stable and responding well to supportive treatment.
Despite the increase in confirmed infections, the government maintained that the outbreak had not disrupted normal economic activities, assuring Kenyans that the country remained open for business.
Authorities said there were no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings as a result of the outbreak.
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died from the disease. The virus does not spread through the air.
The Ministry of Health has urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with the disease, including fever, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, to seek medical attention immediately.
Members of the public who require guidance have also been advised to contact the Ministry's toll-free hotline on 719.
