Kenya Confirms First Imported Ebola Case Following DRC Resident's Death

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed its first imported case of the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The patient, a Kenyan citizen who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the past seven years, passed away in Nairobi.

The individual fell ill approximately a month prior to their arrival in Kenya, having received treatment at several health facilities within the DRC. Their journey to Nairobi involved road travel to Kampala, Uganda, followed by a flight that landed on Saturday.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the patient was taken directly to Nairobi Hospital by a relative. Medical professionals immediately placed the individual in isolation due to presenting symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and subcutaneous bleeding at injection sites.

Considering the patient’s travel history to the DRC and their clinical presentation, doctors suspected a viral hemorrhagic fever. Samples were collected and subsequently tested positive for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI Lab.

The patient succumbed to the illness on Monday while undergoing treatment. The Ministry of Health has stated that arrangements for a safe and dignified burial are being made. Contact tracing efforts have identified 28 individuals, including family members and healthcare workers, who had close contact with the deceased. Additionally, authorities are tracing 23 passengers and crew members from the flight the patient traveled on, with quarantine measures being implemented for those deemed at risk.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reassured the public, emphasizing that Kenya has maintained a high level of preparedness for Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2026 and that all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease. Citizens are advised to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, avoid close contact with individuals arriving from active Ebola transmission zones, and seek prompt medical attention if unwell. Healthcare workers have been urged to adhere to strict infection prevention and control measures.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/kenya-confirms-first-ebola-case