A patient suffering from Ebola has been flown to Germany for specialized treatment while the issue of Kenya's preparedness for possible outbreaks is being raised again after a court ruled to stop the plans to set up a new facility for isolation in Laikipia County.
The patient was taken to Germany under strict biosecurity measures designed to ensure appropriate medical treatment at a specialized infectious disease unit. The case illustrates the worldwide concern in regard to Ebola and highlights the need to respond promptly.
In the meantime, Kenya's plans for the strengthening of Ebola preparedness faced a setback after the court ruled to suspend the construction of the isolation unit in Laikipia which provoked disputes on the issue of Kenya's preparedness.
Experts say that timely isolation, surveillance, and diagnosis are crucial in the containment of the disease that spreads very swiftly from a sick person through the contact with his bodily fluids. In addition, East African countries, where Ebola-related issues have arisen, remain alert.
Public health officials state that although there has not been any confirmed Ebola outbreaks in Kenya, preparedness must not be ignored in light of the country’s proximity to regions with reported cases and the movement between borders of people.
The situation is made more complicated by the US patient who has undergone treatment in a foreign country and court proceedings regarding Kenya’s preparedness plans.
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