Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on October 6, after a Kenyan citizen who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo died in Nairobi. The health ministry said authorities had identified 28 contacts and were tracing other people who had travelled on the same flight. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it was helping Kenya strengthen measures to prevent further spread.
According to the ministry, the patient became ill about a month earlier and received treatment at several hospitals in Congo. He travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on October 3. He was taken to Nairobi Hospital and isolated. The National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute independently confirmed the infection.
The patient died on the night of October 5 despite supportive care, WHO reported. He was buried on October 6 under safe burial protocols. The ministry said the 28 identified contacts included relatives and health workers. Authorities were also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members from the same flight, with quarantine arrangements underway for people assessed to be at risk.
Kenya had maintained heightened surveillance since the regional outbreak began in May, the ministry said. By October 6, the Kenyan health authorities had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples at five laboratories. Kenya News Agency reported that the ministry had trained 4,971 health workers in Ebola prevention and management and notified WHO of the confirmed case under the International Health Regulations.
WHO said the response includes case investigation, monitoring contacts, screening at high-risk entry points and public communication. Isolation units in 27 high-risk counties had been identified and assessed. The agency said it had also delivered about 1,000 Ebola tests and 1,000 personal protective equipment kits to high-risk counties to support preparedness.
Bundibugyo virus disease spreads through direct contact with infected blood or body fluids, or contaminated materials, according to WHO. No vaccines or specific treatments are currently approved for it, although candidates are in clinical trials. WHO urged rapid detection of any further cases and advised against restrictions on travel to, or trade with, Congo, Uganda or Kenya on the available evidence.
Comments