NAIROBI, Kenya, October 6, 2026 — Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease after a Kenyan citizen who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda tested positive for the virus and later died while receiving treatment in Nairobi.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Tuesday that the patient had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo for seven years before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda, and later flying to Nairobi on October 3. The patient was subsequently admitted, isolated and treated at Nairobi Hospital.
The Ministry of Health has identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who interacted with the patient. Health officials are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight as the patient.
Duale said the contacts will be monitored for 21 days as health authorities strengthen surveillance and contact tracing to prevent further transmission. He urged Kenyans to remain calm while observing recommended health precautions.
The confirmed case involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has been associated with an outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ministry of Health has activated its emergency response mechanisms and is coordinating surveillance and preparedness measures to contain any potential spread of the virus.