Kenya confirms first Ebola Case

Kenya Confirms First Ebola Case and Death

Kenya has confirmed its first case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus (BDBV), raising concerns over possible exposure after the deceased travelled into the country from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale says the patient, a Kenyan citizen who had lived in the DRC for seven years, entered Kenya on October 3 after travelling from the DRC through Uganda.

The patient, who had reportedly been unwell for about a month, received treatment at several health facilities in the DRC before travelling by road to Kampala. He later boarded Jambojet flight 8523 to Nairobi.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), he underwent routine public health screening before being taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was immediately isolated after falling ill.

According to CS Duale, the patient displayed symptoms including fever, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, painful swallowing and bleeding beneath the skin.

Medical teams suspected a viral haemorrhagic fever and collected samples for testing. The samples later returned positive for Ebola.

Despite receiving supportive medical care, the patient died on Monday at approximately 11:30 p.m.

Authorities are now tracing people who may have come into contact with the deceased. The Ministry of Health has identified 28 direct contacts, while efforts are also underway to trace 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight.

The government has prepared quarantine arrangements for individuals considered at risk as health officials move to contain any possible spread of the virus.

The deceased is expected to be buried later today under special Ebola public health protocols.

The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain vigilant and rely on official health information as contact tracing and surveillance efforts continue.