Kenyan authorities have confirmed the first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease in a Kenyan citizen who arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The patient fell ill about a month ago and received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC.
He travelled by road to Kampala before boarding Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi, arriving on Saturday, 3 October, at 1:10 p.m.
After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, he was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and assessed.
He was later transferred to the hospital’s East Wing Isolation Facility. His symptoms included fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, a sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Following assessment of his symptoms and travel history, a sample was collected for testing.
The National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute independently confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.
The patient received supportive treatment but has since died. The Ministry has conveyed its condolences to his family and friends.
Arrangements for a safe and dignified burial are underway in line with Ebola burial protocols.
The Kenyan ministry of Health has identified 28 contacts, including family members and health workers who attended to the patient.
It is also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight. Quarantine arrangements are underway for people considered to be at risk.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale however reassured the public that systems are in place to respond and urged Kenyans not to panic.
