Kenya has recorded its first-ever death attributed to the Ebola virus, as the disease continues to propagate rapidly across the north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed the fatality on Tuesday, noting the deceased was a Kenyan national who had resided in the DRC for seven years.
The individual had sought medical treatment in the DRC roughly a month ago after falling ill. Following his departure, he traveled overland to Kampala, Uganda, before arriving in Nairobi on October 3. Upon reaching the international airport in Nairobi, he was transported to a local hospital by a relative and a friend, where he was immediately placed in isolation. He then travelled overland to the Ugandan capital, Kampala, before flying to Nairobi on 3 October.
Medical personnel reported that the patient presented with severe symptoms, including fever, chills, intense fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, and difficulty swallowing. He also exhibited a sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites. Despite medical intervention, the man tested positive for the virus and regrettably passed away at approximately 11:30 p.m. local time on Monday. According to he, The man was subsequently screened and confirmed positive for the virus, but “regrettably passed on last night at around 1130” in the evening (2030 GMT).
Officials have since identified 28 individuals as contacts of the deceased, including family members and healthcare workers. While only one test has returned positive thus far, authorities are currently tracking 23 passengers and four crew members who shared the flight with the man. Minister Duale stated that quarantine arrangements are underway and urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that systemic measures are in place to prevent further spread. He added that authorities were looking for another 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight with the man and that “arrangements” for quarantine for those at risk had been prepared. “I wish to assur.
This case marks a significant development for Kenya, which has not previously reported an Ebola infection. In contrast, neighboring Uganda confirmed 20 cases and two deaths earlier this year—largely involving travelers from the DRC—before health authorities declared the country Ebola-free in August.
The ongoing outbreak, which originated in the DRC’s Ituri province, is the 17th occurrence of the disease in the country. As of October 2, data indicated 8,463 confirmed cases and 4,082 deaths associated with the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available.
The humanitarian situation in the DRC remains dire, particularly in the North Kivu province, which now accounts for 40% of all new cases compared to 24% in late August. Stephanie Hoffmann, a coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières in Butembo, described the struggle as akin to fighting a megafire, noting that multiple, high-intensity outbreaks are occurring simultaneously across diverse locations.
The Butembo health zone, serving a population of approximately 2 million, is struggling with capacity, operating only four treatment centers. Due to a critical shortage of beds, staff are occasionally forced to transfer patients, raising significant community risk concerns. These operational challenges are exacerbated by severe instability, with the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project tracking 134 violent incidents in North Kivu over the past month.
Public health response efforts in the region are frequently hampered by mistrust, violence against officials, and a lack of resources compounded by reduced international aid. While a safe and dignified burial for the deceased has been planned in accordance with national health standards, the government has previously faced public scrutiny over its handling of Ebola-related infrastructure, including past plans to establish facilities in Laikipia. About 125 miles from Nairobi, kenyans reacted furiously to government plans earlier this year to allow the US to set up an Ebola facility at Laikipia airbase. In addition, standards of care in some peripheral facilities do not always meet the requirements for Ebola treatment.”. Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.
