Kenya records second Ebola death

Kenya has recorded its second Ebola death after a 65-year-old woman died while receiving treatment, leaving seven of the country’s nine confirmed patients receiving care.

The woman, the country’s third confirmed case of Bundibugyo virus disease, was a close family member and direct contact of the first patient, who also died, according to the Kenyan Ministry of Health.

In a statement on Friday, the ministry said the woman developed symptoms on 13 October while under quarantine and was admitted to an infectious disease unit the same day.

“Sadly, she succumbed to the disease early this evening,” the ministry said.

The ministry said the woman’s family had been informed and that arrangements were being made for a safe and dignified burial in consultation with them, in line with public health protocols.

It urged the public and media to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn their loss.

The latest death brings the number of fatalities from the outbreak in Kenya to two, with seven other patients receiving treatment at two isolation facilities.

The ministry said all nine confirmed cases were linked to a single cluster of known contacts, adding that there was no evidence of community transmission.

Kenya confirmed its first case of Bundibugyo virus disease in early October in a man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through Uganda. He died on 5 October, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Health authorities subsequently identified infections among people who had been in contact with the initial patient, including family members and healthcare workers.

The 65-year-old woman was already under quarantine when she developed symptoms, allowing health officials to identify and isolate her for treatment.

The WHO said the subsequent cases in Kenya were epidemiologically linked to the initial case, underscoring the importance of contact tracing, quarantine and monitoring people exposed to the virus.

The outbreak has also raised concerns about cross-border transmission in East and Central Africa, particularly as Kenya and Nigeria have reported imported cases linked to travel through Uganda.

Nigeria confirmed its first case of Bundibugyo virus disease on 20 October in a patient in Abuja who had travelled from Uganda. The patient was isolated and receiving medical care, while authorities began tracing people who might have been exposed.

PREMIUM TIMES has reported on investigations into whether the Nigerian and Kenyan cases could be linked to possible exposure at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, where both patients reportedly travelled through on 3 October. Health officials have been investigating possible contact through shared equipment or other exposure, but a direct link has not been established.

Bundibugyo virus disease is a form of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a distinct species from the Zaire ebolavirus responsible for several previous outbreaks.

Ebola is a severe illness that can cause fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, unexplained bleeding. The virus can spread through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, as well as contaminated materials.

There is currently no approved vaccine specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease, making early detection, isolation, supportive treatment and infection prevention particularly important.

However, the WHO and its partners began the Tumaini clinical trial in DRC, with the first participant receiving the Ervebo vaccine. The trial will assess whether the vaccine, approved for the Zaire strain of Ebola, can also protect against the Bundibugyo virus.

Kenya’s Ministry of Health urged members of the public to avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of having the disease and not to touch or handle the body of someone who has died from a suspected infection.

It also advised people to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms after possible exposure.

The ministry asked anyone experiencing symptoms or concerned about possible exposure to call Kenya’s toll-free emergency line on 719 or contact the health authorities through WhatsApp on 0700 719 719.