The County Government of Vihiga, through the Department of Health Services, has intensified emergency preparedness measures to prevent and manage potential Ebola cases following reports of outbreaks caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in May 2026.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of the highly infectious disease within the East African region.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current Bundibugyo strain has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, although efforts are underway to evaluate promising vaccine candidates and strengthen response mechanisms inthe affected countries.
To enhance the county’s readiness, the Department of Health Services has established a fully equipped Ebola Isolation Unit at the Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital (VTRH) and a dedicated holding unit at Ipali Health Centre.
Plans were also underway to set up additional sub-isolation units across the county to ensure prompt detection, isolation and management of suspected cases.
The county has further strengthened disease surveillance systems and embarked on extensive training of healthcare workers on Ebola prevention, case management and infection control protocols.
Emergency response teams have also been constituted at both county and sub-county levels to coordinate rapid response activities in the event of a suspected or confirmed case.
In addition, security personnel are being sensitized on their role in disease surveillance and emergency response, while public awareness campaigns are being rolled out across communities to educate residents on Ebola symptoms, prevention measures and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when unwell.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the Ebola Isolation Unit at VTRH, Vihiga County Director of Public Health, Martin Osotsi, said the county remains vulnerable due to its strategic location along major transport routes linking Kenya to neighbouring countries where cases have been reported.
“Vihiga County serves as a transit corridor from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Kisumu-Busia Highway. With Ebola cases having been reported in these countries, the risk of exposure cannot be ignored. It is therefore important for us to prepare adequately and establish facilities capable of safely managing any cases that may arise,” said Osotsi.
He noted that the county government has adopted a proactive approach, aimed at strengthening preparedness before any cases are reported locally, adding that early planning and investment in response infrastructure are critical in safeguarding public health.
Osotsi further urged residents to maintain proper hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water, avoiding unnecessary physical contact with sick individuals and reporting any suspected symptoms promptly to health facilities.
“Early detection and timely intervention remain our strongest tools in preventing the spread of Ebola. We encourage members of the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities whenever necessary,” he added.
The Director also assured residents that healthcare personnel across the county are being equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify, isolate and manage suspected cases while protecting themselves and the wider community from infection.
As part of the enhanced preparedness measures, the Department of Health Services has announced that formal screening exercises will commence on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The screenings will form part of the county’s surveillance strategy aimed at identifying potential risks early and preventing the spread of the disease.
County health officials have reiterated their commitment to working closely with national government agencies, neighbouring counties and development partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response should the need arise.
The county government has called upon residents to obtain information from credible sources, remain alert to public health advisories and support ongoing prevention efforts as Vihiga strengthens its readiness against the potential threat posed by the Ebola outbreak in the region.
By Kelly Barasa / Maureen Imbayi
