By Faith Anene
Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, with health authorities racing to trace people who may have come into contact with the deceased patient.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient, a Kenyan citizen who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years, died after testing positive for the virus.
The patient fell ill about a month ago while in the DRC, where he was treated at several hospitals before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda.
He later boarded Flight 8523 and arrived in Nairobi on October 3.
A relative took him directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to a Nairobi hospital, where he was isolated and treated.
The patient presented with fever, chills, intense fatigue and weakness, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Based on his symptoms and travel history, doctors suspected a viral haemorrhagic fever. Samples subsequently tested positive for Bundibugyo Ebola virus at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratory.
Despite treatment, the patient died, prompting authorities to intensify contact tracing and preparations for a safe and dignified burial.
The Ministry of Health has so far identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the deceased.
Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and crew members who travelled on the same flight as the patient. Quarantine arrangements for people considered at risk are ongoing.
Duale urged Kenyans to remain calm, saying the government had maintained a high level of preparedness and surveillance for Ebola.
The Ministry of Health has advised the public to wash hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand rubs and avoid close contact with people who are sick, particularly those arriving from countries reporting active Ebola transmission.
Kenyans who develop symptoms have been urged to seek care at recognised health facilities and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility.
Health workers have also been directed to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures when handling suspected or confirmed cases.
The ministry said it would continue providing updates through official channels and urged Kenyans to rely on verified information. Members of the public can also call the toll-free health information line 719.
