Trending 
Kenya has recorded its first-ever Ebola death after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo died following his return to the country, Health Minister Aden Duale announced on Tuesday.
The case comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo battles its 17th Ebola outbreak, declared in mid-May. Ebola is one of the world’s deadliest viral diseases and has killed more than 15,000 people across Africa over the past five decades.
Kenya had not previously recorded an Ebola case. Neighbouring Uganda, however, reported 20 cases, most involving people who had travelled from the DRC, and two deaths before authorities declared the country Ebola-free in August.
Read More : Unknown Virus Leaks From Russian Lab
Duale said the Kenyan patient, whose identity has not been disclosed, fell ill about a month ago and received treatment in the DRC before travelling overland to Kampala, Uganda, and later flying to Nairobi on October 3.
According to the minister, the man showed symptoms including “fever, chills, intense fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding under the skin at the injection sites”.
Tests later confirmed that he had contracted Ebola. Duale said the patient “regrettably passed on last night at around 1130” after his condition deteriorated.
Health authorities have identified 28 contacts linked to the deceased, including relatives and healthcare workers. Duale said only one positive test had so far been recorded, referring to the deceased patient.
Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight as the man. Quarantine arrangements have been prepared for people considered at risk.
“I wish to assure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” Duale said.
The government also planned what the minister described as a “safe and dignified burial” in accordance with public health protocols.
The development comes as Ebola continues to spread in parts of the DRC. World Health Organisation figures as of October 2 showed 8,463 cases and 4,082 deaths linked to the Bundibugyo strain since its emergence in the country. No approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for that strain.
Read More : Kenya Road Crash Kills 17 Heading to Shrine
The latest outbreak began in the northeastern Ituri province and has spread to seven provinces in northern and eastern DRC, where armed violence, insecurity and limited medical resources have complicated containment efforts.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières has also warned of an “alarming surge” in cases in North Kivu province, which borders Uganda.
Kenya’s first recorded Ebola death is expected to place greater attention on surveillance, contact tracing and border health measures as authorities work to prevent further transmission.
