The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an advisory concerning travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, Uganda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following Kenya's confirmation of its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease. The Kenyan patient, who had been living in DRC, travelled by road to Kampala on October 2 before boarding Jambojet flight JM 8523 from Entebbe to Nairobi on October 3. The patient was taken to a Nairobi hospital after arriving in the country and was isolated.
The patient, a Kenyan citizen, had become ill while living in the DRC and had received treatment at several health facilities there before travelling to Nairobi. Samples tested positive for Bundibugyo virus at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). The patient died on the night of October 5 and was buried on October 6 under Kenya's Ebola safe and dignified burial protocol, according to WHO.
WHO says no travel restrictions are needed, and the available information does not justify restrictions on travel to or trade with Kenya, Uganda, or the DRC. The global health agency said it was supporting the three governments with contact tracing, surveillance, screening, and other response measures aimed at identifying potential cases and preventing further transmission.
WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Mohamed Janabi said Kenya's previous preparedness measures had given authorities a head start in responding to the imported case. “The priority now is to move swiftly to detect any further cases before the virus has an opportunity to spread.” The Government of Kenya has reported an imported case of Ebola caused by Bundibugyo virus.
Jambojet has responded to questions from members of the public over how the patient was able to board the Entebbe-Nairobi flight, saying the passenger had undergone public health screening before boarding the flight from Uganda to Nairobi. The airline confirmed that the passenger had travelled on JM 8523 on Saturday, October 3, and said it was working with the Ministry of Health, Port Health Services, and other authorities to identify and manage people who may have been in contact with the patient.
The airline subsequently clarified that passenger health screening is handled by government health authorities, rather than by the airline. Jambojet said travellers originating from high-risk areas, including the DRC, are required to undergo health checks, including temperature screening and completion of the Port Health Surveillance Form before entry. The airline said the passenger underwent public health screening and all required health checks at the departure airport before boarding.
Kenyan health authorities have so far identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who cared for the patient. Separately, authorities are tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were aboard the Jambojet flight. Arrangements are being made for appropriate follow-up and quarantine of people assessed to be at risk. Kenya had screened more than 652,000 travellers entering Kenya by October 6.
Key points
- WHO advises against travel restrictions to Kenya, Uganda, or DRC.
- Kenya confirms first imported Ebola case.
- Jambojet explains passenger screening process.
