Kenya has recorded its first-ever Ebola death after a 40-year-old businessman died following his return from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Health Minister Aden Duale said the man had been living in the DRC before becoming ill around a month ago. He received treatment there before continuing his journey.
The man later travelled overland to Kampala, Uganda, before flying onward to Nairobi. He arrived in Kenya on October 3.
Kenya Records First Ebola Case
Kenya had never previously reported an Ebola case before the latest development.
The reported death marks the country’s first known fatal Ebola case. It has also drawn attention to the patient’s recent travel between the DRC, Uganda and Kenya.
According to Duale, the man became ill while living in the DRC. He received medical treatment there before travelling onward through Uganda.
He eventually reached Nairobi on October 3, where his illness later resulted in Kenya recording its first Ebola death.
DRC Continues to Battle Ebola Outbreak
The development comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deal with its 17th Ebola outbreak.
The outbreak was declared in May. Meanwhile, Ebola has caused more than 15,000 deaths across Africa over the past five decades.
The latest situation in Kenya is therefore unfolding against the backdrop of continued Ebola activity in the region.
The man’s history of living in the DRC and travelling through Uganda has also highlighted the links between countries affected by Ebola cases.
Uganda Previously Reported Ebola Cases
Kenya’s neighbour Uganda had also reported Ebola cases linked largely to travel from the DRC.
Uganda recorded 20 Ebola cases, with almost all involving people who had travelled from the DRC. Two people died before the country was declared Ebola-free in August.
The latest Kenyan case follows that earlier regional outbreak. Therefore, health authorities are now monitoring the situation as they respond to the first reported Ebola death in Kenya.
Africa CDC Sends Support to Kenya
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is sending a team to Kenya to assist local authorities.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya is also expected to visit Kenya in the coming days.
The support comes as Kenyan authorities deal with the country’s first recorded Ebola case and death.
Meanwhile, the patient’s travel history remains an important part of the reported case, given his stay in the DRC and subsequent journey through Uganda.
Kenya’s first Ebola death has brought the disease into a new national context. At the same time, regional health authorities continue working across borders as Ebola remains a concern in parts of Central and East Africa.
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