Kenya's health ministry confirmed the first death from Ebola in the country, linked to a patient who died after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The patient, a Kenyan citizen, died in Nairobi after being treated for the virus, making Kenya the fourth nation to report a case in the ongoing outbreak.
The patient, who arrived in Kenya via Uganda on October 3, 2026, tested positive for Ebola after developing symptoms including fever, chills, and bleeding under the skin. He died on Monday night, prompting health authorities to isolate 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, and trace additional individuals on the same flight.
The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, has infected over 8,000 people in the DRC with more than 4,000 deaths. Kenya's health ministry emphasized preparedness, with the patient set to be buried Tuesday in line with public health protocols. The WHO warns the outbreak could become the deadliest due to ongoing challenges in containment.
The outbreak, declared in the DRC in mid-May, is the fastest-growing in history. Experts believe the virus may have circulated before the official declaration, and the lack of a proven vaccine or treatment adds to the public health concern.