Kenya has confirmed its first case of Ebola after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) died in Nairobi.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient had lived in the DRC for seven years and became ill about a month before returning to Kenya. The patient travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding a flight to Nairobi on Saturday, October 3. He underwent routine health screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before being taken by a relative to Nairobi Hospital.
He was subsequently isolated after developing symptoms including fever, chills, severe fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing and bleeding under the skin. Laboratory tests confirmed infection with the Bundibugyo species of Ebola. The patient died at about 11:30pm on Monday while receiving supportive treatment. Kenyan authorities said arrangements were being made for a safe and dignified burial in line with public health protocols.
Authorities have so far identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers. Health teams are also tracing other passengers and crew members who travelled on the same flight from Kampala to Nairobi.
Duale urged Kenyans not to panic, saying surveillance and response systems were in place to contain the infection. Health workers have also been directed to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures.
Ebola Outbreak Continues in DR Congo
The Kenyan case is linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, which is caused by the Bundibugyo species. The DRC has recorded more than 8,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths in the current outbreak. This makes it the country’s largest recorded Ebola outbreak and the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak globally after the 2014–2016 West African epidemic.
The outbreak also spread to Uganda earlier this year. Uganda recorded 20 cases and two deaths before the World Health Organisation declared the country Ebola-free in August. Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, including after death. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal or external bleeding.
Kenyan health authorities have maintained heightened surveillance since the outbreak began, particularly at borders and other points of entry. The confirmed case has now prompted further contact tracing and monitoring as officials work to prevent local transmission.
