The Ministry of Health has issued Ebola prevention and control guidelines to churches following confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease in Kenya.

Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni said the government had intensified contact tracing, surveillance at points of entry, public health communication and preparedness at designated isolation and treatment facilities to prevent further transmission.

She urged church leaders and congregations to remain calm, follow verified health information and help communities recognise symptoms, report possible exposure and support affected families.

“We call upon all congregations to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified public health information. Churches have an important role in protecting families and communities by promoting preventive practices, encouraging early reporting and supporting those affected,” Muthoni said.

How Ebola Spreads

Muthoni described Ebola as a serious and potentially deadly infectious disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, including someone who has died from the disease.

Transmission can also occur through contaminated materials and contact with infected animals.

The PS clarified that Ebola does not spread through the air. The World Health Organisation says Bundibugyo virus disease is transmitted through direct contact with infected people's blood, secretions and other body fluids, or contaminated surfaces and materials. 

Symptoms and Prevention Measures

According to the Ministry's guidance, Ebola symptoms may appear between two and 21 days after exposure.

Symptoms can include sudden fever, severe headache and muscle pain, weakness and sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, skin rash, and unexplained bleeding in severe cases.

Muthoni urged anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure to seek medical advice immediately. She cautioned against waiting for bleeding to occur before seeking help.

The Ministry advised Kenyans to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 70 per cent alcohol.

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“Good hand hygiene helps reduce the risk of infection,” she said.

Residents were also urged to avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, urine, faeces, breast milk, semen and other body fluids of anyone suspected or confirmed to have Ebola.

The guidance further warns against close physical contact, including kissing and hugging, with people who may be infected.

Clothing, bedding, utensils, razor blades, needles and other items potentially contaminated by an infected person should not be shared or handled without appropriate precautions. The Ministry said such materials should be handled by trained personnel using suitable infection-prevention measures.

Warning Against Contact With Infected Animals

The Ministry also cautioned the public against handling sick or dead wild animals, including bats, monkeys, antelopes and porcupines.

Kenyans were advised not to handle or consume bushmeat from animals suspected of being infected with Ebola.

Households with someone suspected of having the disease should avoid direct contact with the person and their body fluids while seeking guidance from health authorities.

Families should not attempt to provide direct care to suspected patients without advice from qualified health professionals. Healthcare workers and caregivers must follow recommended infection-prevention procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed should contact health authorities for guidance, even if they feel well.

Contacts Urged to Monitor Symptoms for 21 Days

Muthoni urged anyone who had been in contact with a suspected or confirmed Ebola patient to notify health authorities and follow instructions on symptom monitoring, quarantine or movement restrictions.

People identified as contacts should follow public health guidance on daily symptom monitoring for 21 days after their last possible exposure.

The PS clarified that not every contact automatically requires isolation. However, anyone who develops symptoms must report immediately for assessment.

People who suspect they have contracted Ebola have been advised to call the Ministry of Health's toll-free hotline, 719, for guidance on safe referral and transport to an appropriate health facility.

They should avoid unnecessary contact with other people while awaiting medical assistance.

The Ministry also warned that the body of a person who has died from Ebola remains highly infectious. Members of the public should not touch, wash or handle such bodies. Instead, they should notify health authorities so trained teams can arrange a safe and dignified burial in line with public health guidance.

Churches Asked to Promote Awareness and Fight Stigma

The Ministry urged church leaders to share verified prevention messages through sermons, church announcements, fellowship meetings and community outreach.

Muthoni said faith leaders could help communities recognise symptoms, report possible exposure promptly, practise good hygiene and support affected families without discrimination.

She also cautioned against spreading rumours, fear and unverified information, urging Kenyans to rely on official Ministry of Health communication channels for updates.

The PS stressed that people suspected or confirmed to have Ebola, survivors and their families deserve compassion, dignity and support rather than rejection or blame.

She said the Ministry was working with county governments, healthcare workers and partners to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing and preparedness across the country.

“As faith communities, we have a shared responsibility to protect life, care for one another and ensure that accurate health information reaches every household. Let us encourage those who may have been exposed to seek guidance promptly, support affected families with compassion and follow the advice of health professionals,” Muthoni said.

She called on church leaders to continue using their platforms to promote public health awareness and reassure congregations that vigilance, timely reporting and adherence to preventive measures are essential to protecting communities.