Kenya has recorded its first-ever death from Ebola after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) died following his return to the country.
Health Minister Aden Duale announced the death on Tuesday, saying the man became ill about a month ago while in the DRC, where he received medical treatment before travelling back to the region.
According to Duale, the man travelled overland from the DRC to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, before flying to Nairobi on October 3.
He was screened after arriving in Kenya and subsequently tested positive for Ebola.
Duale said the man later died while receiving care, confirming that he “regrettably passed on last night at around 1130”.
Kenyan health authorities have identified 28 people who had contact with the deceased, including members of his family and healthcare workers who may have been exposed.
The minister said testing had so far detected Ebola in only one of those contacts.
“Only one test has turned positive and is the one that we have just discussed,” Duale said.
Despite the confirmation of the country’s first Ebola death, the minister urged Kenyans to remain calm, saying authorities had activated measures to prevent further transmission.
“I wish to assure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” he said.
Kenya had never previously recorded an Ebola case. The development comes after earlier controversy over government plans to establish an Ebola treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, located about 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Nairobi.
The proposed facility had triggered strong reactions from some Kenyans earlier this year.
The latest case is linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in mid-May.
Ebola has caused more than 15,000 deaths across Africa over the past five decades.
As of October 2, the World Health Organization had recorded 8,463 cases and 4,082 deaths since the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
The Bundibugyo strain remains a particular concern because there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for it.
Kenyan health authorities are continuing to monitor the identified contacts and take measures aimed at preventing the virus from spreading further.
Source: AFP. Kenya Records First-Ever Ebola Death After Man Returns From DR Congo
Kenya has recorded its first-ever death from Ebola after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) died following his return to the country.
Health Minister Aden Duale announced the death on Tuesday, saying the man became ill about a month ago while in the DRC, where he received medical treatment before travelling back to the region.
According to Duale, the man travelled overland from the DRC to Uganda’s capital, Kampala, before flying to Nairobi on October 3.
He was screened after arriving in Kenya and subsequently tested positive for Ebola.
Duale said the man later died while receiving care, confirming that he “regrettably passed on last night at around 1130”.
Kenyan health authorities have identified 28 people who had contact with the deceased, including members of his family and healthcare workers who may have been exposed.
The minister said testing had so far detected Ebola in only one of those contacts.
“Only one test has turned positive and is the one that we have just discussed,” Duale said.
Despite the confirmation of the country’s first Ebola death, the minister urged Kenyans to remain calm, saying authorities had activated measures to prevent further transmission.
“I wish to assure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” he said.
Kenya had never previously recorded an Ebola case. The development comes after earlier controversy over government plans to establish an Ebola treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base, located about 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Nairobi.
The proposed facility had triggered strong reactions from some Kenyans earlier this year.
The latest case is linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in mid-May.
Ebola has caused more than 15,000 deaths across Africa over the past five decades.
As of October 2, the World Health Organization had recorded 8,463 cases and 4,082 deaths since the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.
The Bundibugyo strain remains a particular concern because there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment available for it.
Kenyan health authorities are continuing to monitor the identified contacts and take measures aimed at preventing the virus from spreading further.
Source: AFP.
