Kenya has reported its first-ever Ebola death, as confirmed by Health Minister Aden Duale on Tuesday. This announcement comes amid a rapid spread of the disease in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the outbreak was declared in May.
Background of the Outbreak
This marks the 17th outbreak of the highly infectious and often deadly disease in the DRC. As of October 2, there have been 4,082 deaths out of 8,463 confirmed cases since the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which currently has no vaccine or specific treatment.
A Kenyan man, who had been living in the DRC for seven years, died after returning to Kenya. He had been treated in the DRC after falling ill about a month prior. After traveling overland to Kampala, Uganda, he flew to Nairobi on October 3.
Details of the Case
Upon arrival in Nairobi, the man was taken by a relative and a friend from the international airport to a local hospital, where he was immediately isolated. He exhibited symptoms including fever, chills, intense fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat, and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.
Duale stated, "The man was subsequently screened and confirmed positive for the virus, but regrettably passed on last night at around 11:30 PM (2030 GMT)."
Contact Tracing and Public Health Measures
Health officials have identified 28 contacts of the deceased, including family members and healthcare workers. So far, only one test has returned positive. Authorities are also searching for 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight as the deceased, with quarantine arrangements prepared for those at risk.
