Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret has isolated one person for a 21-day monitoring period as part of measures to contain the spread of Ebola.
MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Phillip Kirwa said the isolation was precautionary and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the individual had contracted the disease.
“We have no Ebola-infected patients. Quarantine is not equal to an infected person,” Dr Kirwa said.
He explained that people who may have been exposed to the virus are monitored for symptoms during the 21-day incubation period, after which they can be released if they remain symptom-free.
The hospital’s move comes as health authorities intensify surveillance and contact tracing following confirmed Ebola cases in Kenya.
The Ministry of Health has said people identified as contacts of confirmed cases must undergo monitoring for 21 days after their last possible exposure, with anyone developing symptoms assessed and tested promptly.
Dr Kirwa urged the public to remain calm and avoid equating precautionary isolation with a confirmed infection.
MTRH has previously announced enhanced infection prevention measures, surveillance and staff training as part of its preparedness for Ebola.
