Kenya has confirmed its first Ebola death, health minister Aden Duale said on Tuesday, as the virus continues to spread rapidly through the north‑east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The outbreak, first announced in May, is the 17th in the DRC and has already produced 8,463 confirmed cases and 4,082 deaths since the Bundibugyo strain emerged, for which no vaccine or specific treatment exists.
The deceased Kenyan man had lived in the DRC for seven years and was treated there after falling ill about a month ago. He then travelled overland to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on 3 October. After arrival, he was taken from the airport to a Nairobi hospital, isolated, and treated for fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, throat pain, and bleeding at injection sites. He tested positive for Ebola and passed away at 11:30 local time (20:30 GMT). Officials identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, and have confirmed one additional positive case.
Authorities have prepared quarantine arrangements for the remaining 23 passengers and four crew members who shared the flight and have assured the public that systems are in place to mitigate spread. A safe and dignified burial was scheduled for later in the day, following public health standards. Earlier this year, Kenyan reactions had been strong to government plans allowing the U.S. to set up an Ebola facility at Laikipia airbase.
The DRC outbreak has spread to seven provinces, with instability, violence against health workers, and reduced international aid hampering the response. Médecins Sans Frontières warned of an alarming surge in North Kivu, which now accounts for 40% of new cases. Multiple outbreaks are occurring simultaneously, and the limited number of treatment centres, only four in the Butembo health zone, force referrals that risk wider community exposure.
