Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo) Virus Disease involving a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, the Ministry of Health said the patient fell ill about a month ago and received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC before travelling to Kenya.
He travelled by road from the DRC to Kampala before boarding Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi.
Ebola healthcare worker. Photo: Courtesy.
He arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday, October 3, at 1:10pm and underwent routine health screening at the Port Health and Immigration desks.
The patient was then taken directly to Nairobi Hospital by a relative and a friend in a Toyota Fielder.
He was isolated in the Accident and Emergency department before being transferred to the hospital’s East Wing Isolation Facility.
He presented with fever, chills, severe fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Doctors suspected viral haemorrhagic fever due to his symptoms and recent travel history.
Tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease.
The patient received supportive treatment but later died.
The Ministry said preparations for a safe and dignified burial were underway in accordance with Ebola safety protocols.
Health authorities have launched contact tracing and identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the patient. Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight.
Arrangements are underway to quarantine individuals considered at risk as part of measures to prevent further transmission.
Kenya had maintained heightened surveillance for Ebola since the outbreak began in May 2026. By October 6, health authorities had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories.
The laboratories include the National Virology Reference Laboratory, KEMRI Nairobi, KEMRI Kisumu and mobile laboratories at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points.
Of the 267 samples tested, only one has returned positive.
The Ministry has urged the public to maintain good hygiene, remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with the disease.
