The Kenyan government has identified 28 close contacts and is tracing 27 passengers and crew members who travelled on the same flight as the deceased patient.

Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) after a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) travelled to the country and later died from the infection.

The Ministry of Health said the patient had fallen ill about a month ago and received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC before beginning his journey back to Kenya.

He travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, and subsequently boarded Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi. The flight arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Saturday, October 3, at about 1:10 p.m.

After arriving in Nairobi, the patient was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and medically assessed. He was subsequently moved to the hospital's East Wing Isolation Facility for further management.

According to the Ministry, his symptoms included fever, chills, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding beneath the skin at injection sites.

Given his symptoms and recent travel history, medical personnel collected samples for laboratory testing.

The National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) independently confirmed that the patient had Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease.

Despite receiving supportive treatment, the patient later died.

The Ministry expressed condolences to his family and friends and said arrangements were being made for a safe and dignified burial in accordance with established Ebola burial protocols.

Kenya launches contact tracing

Health authorities have moved quickly to contain any potential spread of the virus.

The Ministry said 28 contacts have so far been identified, including family members and healthcare workers who came into contact with the patient during his illness and treatment.

Authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were aboard the same Jambo Jet flight that transported the patient from Kampala to Nairobi.

Quarantine arrangements are being put in place for people considered to have been exposed to the virus.

The development comes as Kenya has maintained heightened surveillance for Ebola since an outbreak began in May 2026.

As of October 6, health authorities said they had screened 652,584 travellers and tested 267 samples across five laboratories.

The testing facilities include the National Virology Reference Laboratory, KEMRI laboratories in Nairobi and Kisumu, as well as mobile laboratories operating at the Busia and Lwakhakha border points.

Of all the samples tested, one has so far returned positive — the case now confirmed as the country's first imported Bundibugyo Ebola infection.

Thousands of health workers trained

Kenya's Ministry of Health said preparations to detect and respond to Ebola have been intensified, with 4,971 health workers at national and sub-national levels trained in Ebola prevention, preparedness and management.

The government has also formally notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of the confirmed case in accordance with the International Health Regulations.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale sought to reassure the public, saying response systems were already in place and urging Kenyans to remain calm while following public health guidance.

He advised people to wash their hands frequently or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, avoid close contact with people who are sick and have recently arrived from countries experiencing active Ebola transmission, and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report anyone who appears unwell to the nearest health facility.

Health workers have been urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and strictly observe infection prevention and control measures.

The Ministry said further updates would be released through official channels and urged Kenyans to use the toll-free 719 health information line for verified information.

The briefing was attended by senior health officials, including Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, WHO Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano and Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris.

The confirmed case marks a significant test of Kenya's Ebola preparedness, but authorities say the country's surveillance, contact-tracing and isolation systems are already being activated to prevent further transmission.