Kenya Confirms First Imported Bundibugyo Ebola Case as Patient Dies in Nairobi

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed Kenya’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), with the patient dying after receiving treatment in Nairobi.

Duale said the patient was a Kenyan national who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years before travelling to Nairobi after falling ill.

According to the CS, the patient was transferred directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to a health facility, where he was isolated and assessed. Laboratory tests conducted by the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) confirmed that the patient had Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

Despite receiving medical care, the patient later died.

The Ministry of Health has since intensified contact tracing, with 28 contacts identified so far, including relatives and healthcare workers who may have been exposed.

Authorities are also following up on 23 passengers and crew members who travelled on the same flight as the deceased patient.

Duale said individuals considered to be at risk are being closely monitored, with quarantine measures being applied where necessary as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.

The CS said Kenya’s surveillance and preparedness systems remain active, noting that more than 652,000 travellers have been screened since the country heightened its alert.

He added that 267 samples have been tested through laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, as well as mobile testing facilities established at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points.

The Ministry has also trained 4,971 healthcare workers on Ebola prevention and case management as part of the country’s preparedness measures.

Duale assured Kenyans that the government has the personnel, systems and laboratory capacity required to manage the situation and contain any potential spread of the disease.

He urged members of the public to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid unnecessary close contact with people who are unwell and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms.

Healthcare workers have also been urged to remain vigilant and strictly observe infection prevention and control measures.

The CS further cautioned Kenyans against spreading unverified information, urging the public to rely on official Ministry of Health communication channels and the toll-free 719 health information line for accurate updates.

“The Ministry will continue with surveillance, contact tracing and risk monitoring while providing timely updates as the response progresses,” Duale said.

He was accompanied during the media briefing by Principal Secretaries Dr Ouma Oluga, in charge of Medical Services, and Mary Muthoni, responsible for Public Health and Professional Standards.

Also present were World Health Organization Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano, Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris, alongside Ministry departmental and divisional heads.