The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain alert after confirming the country’s first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.
However, the government has assured the public that measures are already in place to prevent the disease from spreading.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale asked Kenyans to remain calm. He said health authorities have maintained increased surveillance since the Ebola outbreak began in May 2026.
“I wish to reassure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” Duale said.
Ministry issues Ebola prevention advice
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of infection.
People should wash their hands regularly with soap and water. They can also use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
In addition, the Ministry advised people to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick and has recently arrived from a country reporting active Ebola transmission.
Anyone who feels unwell should seek treatment at a recognised health facility. The public should also report suspected Ebola cases to the nearest health facility.
Kenya confirms first imported Ebola case
The heightened alert follows the death of a Kenyan citizen who tested positive for Bundibugyo Ebola after travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the Ministry, the patient had lived in the DRC for seven years. He fell ill about a month before travelling to Kenya.
He received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda. From there, he boarded Jambojet flight 8523 to Nairobi.
After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the patient underwent routine public health screening.
A relative and a friend later took him to Nairobi Hospital. Doctors isolated him after he developed symptoms linked to viral haemorrhagic fever.
These symptoms included fever, chills, extreme fatigue, weakness, muscle pain and a sore throat. He also experienced painful swallowing and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and KEMRI laboratory confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.
Despite receiving supportive treatment, the patient later died.
Government traces people who had contact with patient
Meanwhile, health authorities have identified 28 people who came into contact with the deceased.
The group includes family members and healthcare workers who treated the patient.
Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight.
Quarantine arrangements are ready for people considered to have been at risk of exposure.
Kenya steps up Ebola surveillance
The Ministry said Kenya had screened 652,584 travellers as of October 6.
Health authorities have also tested 267 samples in five laboratories. Only one sample returned a positive result.
In addition, the government has trained 4,971 healthcare workers at both national and county levels.
Two mobile laboratories have also been deployed at the Busia border in Busia County and the Lwakhakha border in Bungoma County.
These facilities will support disease surveillance and testing along the borders.
WHO notified about Ebola case
The government has notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the case in line with the International Health Regulations.
Health workers have also received instructions to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures.
The Ministry said these precautions should apply regardless of the condition being treated.
Finally, the Ministry urged Kenyans to rely on its official platforms for accurate updates.
Members of the public can also call the toll-free health line 719 for more information.
The Ministry said it will continue updating the public as new information becomes available.
