Kenya's Ministry of Health has confirmed the country's first case of Ebola, a viral disease that causes severe bleeding and organ failure. The patient, who had been living and working in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years, had traveled to Uganda and then on to Nairobi, where he died on Monday night. Health Minister Aden Duale said the patient had started showing symptoms about a month ago and had been treated in several hospitals in DRC before traveling to Kenya.
According to Duale, the patient arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on October 3, after traveling by plane with 23 other passengers and four crew members. He was screened for health issues at the airport, but did not show any symptoms at the time. He was then taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and tested for Ebola. The patient had symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, and bleeding under the skin.
The patient's samples were tested at the National Virus Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and both tests confirmed that he had Ebola. Duale said the patient received treatment to help reduce the severity of the disease, but unfortunately died on Monday night at 5:30 pm. The Ministry of Health is now making arrangements for a safe and dignified burial, which is expected to take place on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Health has identified 28 people who came into contact with the patient, including family members and healthcare workers who treated him. The government is also trying to locate 23 other passengers and four crew members who were on the same plane as the patient. Duale said 4,971 healthcare workers have been trained on Ebola prevention and control measures.
Duale said the government has informed the World Health Organization (WHO) about the case and is working to prevent the spread of the disease. He added that all systems are in place to contain the outbreak. The WHO has not yet made a statement on the situation.
Ebola is a highly infectious and often deadly disease that requires prompt and specialized medical care. The disease has caused several outbreaks in Africa, including in DRC, where the patient had been living and working. The Kenyan government is working to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the public.
The government has announced plans to enhance surveillance and screening measures at airports and other entry points to prevent the spread of the disease. The public is being advised to remain calm and to report any suspected cases of Ebola to the authorities immediately.
Key points
- The patient had traveled from DRC via Uganda to Nairobi, where he died on Monday night.
- The Ministry of Health has identified 28 people who came into contact with the patient.
- The government is working to prevent the spread of the disease and protect the public.
