Kenya has reported its first-ever Ebola death after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) died after returning to the country.
Health Minister Aden Duale announced the death on Tuesday, saying the man had fallen ill about a month ago and had received treatment in the DRC before travelling to Uganda and later flying to Nairobi.
According to Duale, the man travelled overland to Kampala before boarding a flight to Nairobi on 3 October. He was screened after his arrival and subsequently tested positive for Ebola.
“He regrettably passed on last night at around 11.30pm,” Duale told reporters.
Health authorities have identified 28 people who had contact with the deceased, including family members and healthcare workers. Duale said one of those contacts has so far tested positive.
The government has not disclosed the identity of the deceased or provided further details about the person who tested positive.
Duale sought to reassure the public that measures were in place to prevent further transmission of the virus.
“I wish to assure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” he said.
The development marks the first reported Ebola case and death in Kenya. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring identified contacts and conducting further testing as part of efforts to contain any potential spread.
Kenya had previously faced public concern over government plans to establish an Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base, about 200 kilometres from Nairobi. The plans sparked opposition from some Kenyans earlier this year.
The latest case is linked to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC, which declared its 17th outbreak in mid-May.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that can cause fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. The virus can spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person.
The World Health Organization had recorded 4,082 deaths among 8,463 cases as of 2 October since the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for this strain.
Kenyan health authorities are continuing investigations and contact tracing as they assess the risk of further transmission.