The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has urged pharmacists and pharmacy care teams to heighten vigilance following the confirmation of Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
In an advisory issued on Wednesday, October 7, PSK said pharmacies were among the most accessible points of contact within the health system, making pharmacists critical in identifying patients who may present with early symptoms.
The society urged pharmacists to be alert for patients presenting with fever or a history of fever, marked weakness or fatigue, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and other concerning symptoms.
Pharmacists have also been advised to establish recent travel and exposure or contact history where clinically appropriate.
PSK cautioned pharmacy teams against unnecessary contact with suspected cases and urged them to strengthen infection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning and safe waste handling.
The society said pharmacies should not attempt to routinely manage suspected Ebola cases.
Instead, pharmacists should safely separate suspected patients from others where possible and activate the appropriate referral and public health response pathways.
PSK also cautioned against simply directing potentially infectious patients to move independently between pharmacies or health facilities, urging care teams to facilitate appropriate referral.
Pharmacists have further been advised to promptly notify the relevant public health and surveillance authorities in line with Ministry of Health guidelines.
The advisory comes after the Ministry of Health confirmed an imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease in Kenya, prompting heightened surveillance and preparedness measures.
PSK urged pharmacy teams to remain prepared to recognise, protect, refer and report suspected cases.
Members of the public seeking official information on the Ebola response can also contact the Ministry of Health’s toll-free line 719.
