NAIROBI, KENYA: 06 OCTOBER 2026— The Ministry of Health has confirmed Kenya’s first imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo) Virus Disease after a citizen who recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) passed away at Nairobi Hospital.
The patient, a Kenyan citizen who had lived in the DRC for the past seven years, fell ill about a month ago and sought treatment at several hospitals in DRC before traveling back to Kenya. He traveled by road from the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding flight number 8523 and arriving in Nairobi on Saturday, October 3.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a relative transported him directly to Nairobi Hospital, where he was immediately isolated. The patient presented with severe symptoms, including fever, chills, intense fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat, and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Given his travel history and clinical symptoms, attending physicians suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever and collected samples for testing. The tests returned positive for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Laboratory. Despite receiving treatment in isolation, the patient succumbed to the virus. Arrangements are currently underway for a safe and dignified burial later today, adhering strictly to public health standards.
Health authorities have begun extensive contact tracing efforts. The Ministry has identified 28 direct contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the patient. Officials are also pursuing an additional 23 passengers and crew members who were aboard the same flight to Nairobi. Quarantine arrangements are being established for all individuals at risk to prevent further spread.
In a statement signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, the Ministry reassured the public that Kenya has maintained a high state of alert since the outbreak began in May 2026 and that all necessary systems are active to contain the disease.
”I wish to reassure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” CS Duale stated.
The public is urged to maintain strict hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing or using alcohol-based hand rubs, and to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms who have traveled from regions with active Ebola transmission. Anyone feeling unwell or aware of sick individuals is advised to report to the nearest recognized health facility immediately. Healthcare workers have also been instructed to exercise heightened vigilance and maintain stringent infection control measures.
For official updates, the Ministry encourages citizens to consult official Ministry of Health platforms or call the toll-free line at 719.
