Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth has explained why the government will not disclose the identity or details of the patient diagnosed with Ebola.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Amoth said the patient has a right to privacy and confidentiality, and that health authorities cannot release personal information without the consent of the immediate family members.
“The patient has a right to privacy and confidentiality. We can only be able to release that with the consent of the immediate family members, and that has not been granted,” Amoth said.
He explained that the government was therefore unable to share details that could identify the patient, despite growing public interest following the confirmation of the Ebola case.
Amoth’s remarks come as health authorities intensify measures to contain the disease and prevent further transmission.
The government has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines as officials continue responding to the outbreak.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed the case on Tuesday, October 6, saying the patient had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi.
According to Duale, the patient had been living and working in the DRC for the past seven years and fell ill about a month ago.
He was treated at several hospitals in the DRC before travelling to Uganda by road as he made his way back to Kenya.
