Kenya confirms first Ebola case

Health workers in protective gear wave inside an Ebola treatment center in Bunia, Congo

Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Ebola after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) tested positive for the virus, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The patient arrived in Nairobi on Saturday after travelling from the DRC through Uganda. He was isolated and treated at Nairobi Hospital after developing symptoms associated with Ebola, but later died from the disease.

Kenya records first Ebola case

Duale said the case involved the Ebola Bundibugyo virus, a strain linked to the ongoing outbreak in the DRC. The patient had reportedly lived in the DRC for seven years before returning to Kenya.

Health authorities have identified 28 people who came into contact with the patient, including family members and healthcare workers. The contacts are being monitored as part of efforts to prevent further transmission.

Patient arrived in Nairobi

According to health officials, the patient travelled to Kenya on a flight from Uganda and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Saturday.

He underwent routine public health screening at the airport before leaving with relatives and friends and later seeking medical care in Nairobi, where he was isolated after developing symptoms.

Government steps up surveillance

The confirmation comes after months of heightened preparedness by the Ministry of Health following Ebola outbreaks in the region.

The ministry had earlier activated its national Ebola incident management system, intensified surveillance and screening at points of entry, and strengthened laboratory and response capacity.

The DRC is currently battling a major Ebola outbreak, with thousands of confirmed cases and deaths reported, while Uganda declared its outbreak over in August.