Kenya is grappling with its first ever outbreak of Ebola, a disease which neighbouring countries, such as Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, are used to dealing with. Nine cases have now been confirmed including its first patient, who travelled from DR Congo and died two weeks ago. Four relatives of the first victim, three health workers and a hospital cleaner have now tested positive, meaning they are all linked to him.
But concerns are rising that the virus could start spreading further, even as the government has sought to assure citizens. The US has warned it citizens against travelling to Kenya, while neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia are also on alert. Kenyans have been expressing their concerns that the disease could spread more widely.
More than 4,000 people have died since Ebola was confirmed in DR Congo in May, making it the second most deadly outbreak of the disease. With more than 9,500 cases in DR Congo, Kenya faces a steady risk of new cases arriving across borders, according to the International Rescue Committee, which has been working alongside both governments to contain the spread. The latest outbreak has been caused by the Bundibugyo species, which is relatively rare, with no approved vaccine or treatment - though trials are under way.
Kenyans raised questions from the outset, about how the first patient was able to spend time in the region worst-affected by Ebola, then travel to two more countries before his illness was identified. He died days after his arrival in Kenya. As a regional transport hub, the risk of the outbreak spreading is a big concern.
The doctors' union in Kenya has expressed concerns at "lapses" at various border points, including with neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania, as well as at Kenya's main airport. Dennis Miskellah, the union representative, told the BBC that border and port facilities were grossly understaffed. However, Health Director-General Patrick Amoth on Tuesday evening sought to reassure people, saying that the eight patients were all improving and responding well to treatment.
When the first case was announced, the authorities urged people not to panic, assuring them of heightened surveillance at airports and border crossings. Kenya has since introduced enhanced screening for travellers arriving from 10 countries it considers to be at high risk: DR Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Travellers arriving from those countries are required to complete a digital surveillance form before boarding their flights, and to present a QR code to port health officials on arrival.
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