Ministry of Health Defends Kenya’s Ebola Response Amid Saudi Arabia Restrictions

Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale called Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on travellers from Kenya excessive and unsupported by the country’s epidemiological situation. Kenya had reported nine confirmed infections and two deaths by October 26; all 135 contacts linked to the imported case were identified, 118 were quarantined, and no wider community transmission or new infections had been reported since October 19. Five of the seven patients in treatment recorded a first negative test and were due for a second test on November 2; five patients and 46 symptom-free contacts could be released on November 3. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is expected to continue discussions with Saudi Arabia, while Duale called for international cooperation.