NAIROBI, KENYA — October 6, 2026
Kenya has confirmed its first-ever case of Ebola Virus Disease after a Kenyan citizen who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tested positive for the virus.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the development on Tuesday, October 6, saying the patient arrived in Kenya on October 3 after living in the DRC for several years. The traveller entered the country through Uganda before proceeding to Nairobi.
The patient developed symptoms associated with hemorrhagic fever and was subsequently isolated and treated at Nairobi Hospital. Despite receiving supportive treatment, the patient died on Monday night, according to health authorities.
28 CONTACTS IDENTIFIED
The Ministry of Health has identified 28 people who had contact with the patient, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the patient.
The contacts have been placed under monitoring as health officials intensify surveillance and contact-tracing efforts aimed at determining whether there have been any additional transmissions.
The confirmed case involves the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola that has been circulating in parts of the DRC.
Kenya had previously intensified its preparedness measures after the outbreak was reported in the region. The Ministry of Health had strengthened screening at points of entry, surveillance, laboratory capacity and response teams in anticipation of possible imported cases.
AUTHORITIES STEP UP SURVEILLANCE
Health authorities are now monitoring the identified contacts and conducting further surveillance to establish the extent of the risk.
The development comes as the DRC continues to battle a major Ebola outbreak. Recent reports indicate that the outbreak has recorded more than 8,000 confirmed cases and over 4,000 deaths, making it one of the largest Ebola outbreaks recorded in the country.
The Kenyan government has urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information from health authorities as response measures are implemented.
More information is expected from the Ministry of Health as contact tracing and surveillance continue.
