Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) returned to the country through Uganda and later died from the disease.
Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed the case on Tuesday, October 6, saying the patient arrived in Nairobi on Saturday after travelling from the DRC through Uganda. The individual developed symptoms associated with Ebola and was admitted to a hospital in Nairobi, where tests confirmed the infection. The patient died on Monday while receiving treatment.
Kenyan authorities have placed the country on high alert as health officials work to determine whether the virus has been transmitted to anyone else.
AUTHORITIES BEGIN CONTACT TRACING
Health officials have identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the patient.
Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers who travelled on the same flight from Uganda, according to the Health Ministry. The identified contacts will be monitored for 21 days and tested as health officials assess whether additional infections have occurred.
The deceased is expected to be buried under public-health safety procedures designed to prevent possible transmission.
Kenyan authorities are also increasing surveillance and strengthening measures at health facilities and points of entry as they work to contain the infection.
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EBOLA OUTBREAK CONTINUES IN CENTRAL AFRICA
Kenya’s case is linked to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The Democratic Republic of Congo is also battling a major Ebola outbreak, with more than 8,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths reported in the country. The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, according to health authorities.
The outbreak previously spread into Uganda, which recorded 20 cases and two deaths. The World Health Organization declared Uganda free of Ebola in August after the required period without new cases.
Kenya’s confirmed case brings the number of countries affected by the current outbreak to four, following cases previously recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and France.
OFFICIALS URGE VIGILANCE
Ebola is a severe disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe illness can result in internal or external bleeding.
Kenyan health authorities are now concentrating on contact tracing, isolation and surveillance to prevent further transmission.
The government has also urged the public to remain calm while following health guidance as officials work to contain the newly confirmed case.
