Gov't Bans Repatriation of Bodies of Ebola Victims Under New Rules

The Ministry of Health has banned the repatriation of bodies of people who die from Ebola disease outside Kenya.

In a Gazette Notice dated Monday, October 12, the Ministry prohibited the transfer of bodies of people who have died from Ebola disease beyond Kenya’s borders, with transportation within the country subject to approval by the medical officer of health.

"The body shall be transported in a suitable conveyance under arrangements approved by the medical officer of health and in accordance with infection prevention and control measures.

"A person shall not transfer or repatriate the body of a person who has died of Ebola disease outside Kenya," the notice read.

Under the rules, the medical officer of health is required to assess deaths involving suspected or confirmed Ebola cases and determine whether post-mortem specimen collection and testing are necessary.

Source: Nairobi Leo