U.S. Embassy Rises Travel Alert in Kenya Over Ebola Threat
U.S. Embassy in Kenya raises travel advisory to Level 3 due to Ebola outbreak concerns.
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The United States Embassy in Kenya has raised its travel advisory level to Level 3, citing an increased risk of Ebola amid the ongoing outbreak in Central and East Africa. The update comes as the embassy warns travelers of heightened health, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and traffic safety risks.
In a Tuesday statement, the embassy noted the advisory was updated from Level 2 due to health risks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel health notices highlight areas affected by the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), including Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed an imported case of BVD in Nairobi, along with other linked cases.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health reported nine Ebola cases in the country on Tuesday, all within one known cluster. Eight of the patients are improving, while one death was recorded. The embassy urged reconsideration of travel to Kenya due to these escalating health risks.
Kenya has confirmed nine Ebola cases, all within one known cluster. Eight patients are improving, and 134 of 135 contacts have been traced and quarantined. There is no evidence of transmission outside the group. For guidance, call 719. #EbolaAlertKE #KomeshaEbola pic.twitter.com/XQuWzADUmE
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the BVD outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) a public health emergency of international concern on May 17th. In the DRC, over 9,000 confirmed cases and 4,602 deaths have been recorded as of October 18th, according to the CDC. Uganda reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths, with no active cases currently reported.
France also saw one confirmed case of BVD, which was resolved by July 4th with no active cases remaining. The CDC emphasized that no Ebola cases associated with the current outbreak have been reported in the U.S., and the risk to the American public and travelers is considered low.
Travelers are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The embassy continues to monitor the situation closely and update advisories as needed.
Source: OANN
