Kenya on Alert asFirst Ebola Case reported

Kenya on High Alert After First Imported Bundibugyo Ebola Case

Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, with the Ministry of Health urging Kenyans to remain vigilant but not panic.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the government has heightened surveillance and put measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus.
The case involves a Kenyan citizen who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years. He fell ill about a month before travelling to Kenya after receiving treatment at several hospitals in the DRC.

The patient travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on Jambojet flight 8523. He underwent routine health screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport before being taken to Nairobi Hospital by a relative and a friend.
At the hospital, he was isolated after developing symptoms including fever, chills, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, painful swallowing and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and KEMRI confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease. The patient later died despite receiving supportive treatment.
Authorities have since identified 28 people who came into contact with the deceased, including family members and healthcare workers, who are being followed up by health officials.
Duale has urged Kenyans to remain calm while observing basic preventive measures.
The Ministry of Health is advising the public to wash hands frequently, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, avoid close contact with sick people arriving from areas with active Ebola transmission and seek medical attention when unwell.
The government says surveillance remains heightened as health authorities work to prevent any further transmission.