Ebola Spreads as Kenya Suspends US-Backed Quarantine Centre

By Prince Ahenkorah

France has confirmed its first Ebola case after a doctor returning from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) tested positive for the virus. The patient has been admitted to a specialised facility and is in stable condition, according to the French Health Ministry. Contact tracing is underway.

The development comes as DR Congo’s outbreak intensifies, with more than 260 deaths and over 1,000 infections recorded. Although officially declared last month, health experts believe the virus had been circulating in affected communities for weeks before detection. French officials stress the risk of wider transmission remains very low.

Healthcare workers remain among the most vulnerable. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.

In a related development, Kenya’s Health Minister Aden Duale has ordered the suspension of a controversial US-backed Ebola quarantine facility following a court ruling that halted construction at the site.

The project, located at a military base in Nanyuki, was intended to serve as an isolation centre for US citizens suspected of contracting Ebola during the ongoing outbreak. However, it has sparked widespread controversy and protests in Nanyuki, with multiple fatalities reported during clashes with police.

The decision to suspend work came after Duale was found in contempt of court for ignoring an earlier order that had halted construction pending the outcome of a legal case filed by rights group Katiba Institute. Appearing before the High Court on Tuesday, the minister apologised and confirmed he had directed the immediate cessation of all building works.

High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi accepted the apology and discharged the minister with a stern warning. Lawyers for the petitioners had called for a custodial sentence.

The quarantine facility has drawn strong opposition from multiple quarters:

· Katiba Institute and other rights groups warn the project poses serious public health risks
· The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has described the plan as unacceptable
· Local protests in Nanyuki have turned violent, resulting in fatalities

However, government officials have defended the project, arguing it is based on scientific and technical advice and intended to strengthen Ebola preparedness. President William Ruto has supported the initiative, stating that cooperation with the United States on the facility is necessary and warning against politicising public health matters.

Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases, but remains part of a broader regional response effort involving DR Congo and Uganda, where cases have been confirmed. The United States has pledged 112 million regional funding package aimed at containing the outbreak.