Kenya Confirms First Imported Ebola Case, Patient Dies

By Moses Punyuah

Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, with the patient, a Kenyan who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo for seven years, dying in Nairobi.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale says the patient travelled from the DRC to Kampala by road before flying to Nairobi, where he was isolated at a hospital after developing symptoms associated with Ebola.

“Only one test has turned positive.”

Duale says 28 contacts, including family members and health workers, have been identified, while the Ministry is tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight as the deceased.

The Ministry says 267 samples have been tested in five laboratories, while more than 652,000 travellers have been screened since Kenya heightened surveillance following the outbreak in May.

“The systems are in place to contain the disease. I urge Kenyans not to panic.”

The patient died Monday night, with arrangements for a safe and dignified burial underway. The Ministry has urged Kenyans to maintain hand hygiene, avoid close contact with suspected cases and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms.