Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years died while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient fell ill about a month ago while in the DRC, where he sought treatment at several health facilities before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda.
He later boarded a Jambojet flight and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at about 1:10 p.m.Duale said the patient underwent routine public health screening at the airport before being taken directly to Nairobi Hospital by a relative and a friend.
He was immediately isolated after presenting with symptoms including fever, chills, intense fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding under the skin.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to inform members of the public that it has confirmed the first imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease,” Duale said
Samples collected from the patient were tested at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), with both confirming infection with the Bundibugyo virus.
The patient was subsequently placed under supportive treatment but died at about 11:30 p.m. on Monday.
Duale said the government had begun tracing people who may have come into contact with the patient. So far, 28 contacts, including relatives and healthcare workers, have been identified.
Health authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight as the patient.
Duale sought to reassure Kenyans that the government was taking measures to contain the disease and urged the public to remain calm.
“I wish to assure the public not to panic,” he said, adding that Kenyans should maintain frequent handwashing, use alcohol-based hand rubs and avoid close contact with people who are sick and have travelled from countries experiencing active Ebola transmission.
The patient is set to be accorded a safe and dignified burial under public health protocols designed to prevent further transmission. Kenya’s confirmation makes it the fourth country linked to the current Bundibugyo virus outbreak, following cases reported in the DRC, Uganda and France.
With contact tracing and enhanced surveillance now underway, health authorities are focusing on identifying any additional infections early and preventing the virus from gaining a foothold in the country.
