The Kenya Red Cross Society has activated its response after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease, with teams deployed to support efforts to contain the infection.
Kenya Red Cross said its response is being carried out under the leadership of the Ministry of Health as authorities intensify surveillance and contact tracing following the patient’s death.
The organisation has deployed safe and dignified burial teams, community engagement teams and community-based surveillance volunteers to support the national response.
Its volunteers are also working with health officials at points of entry, where they are assisting with screening and infection-prevention measures.
The response follows confirmation that a Kenyan citizen who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo tested positive for Bundibugyo Ebola. The patient had lived in the DRC for about seven years and travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, before flying to Nairobi on October 3.
After arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the patient was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated after developing symptoms associated with the disease. Laboratory testing later confirmed Ebola.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the patient died at about 11:30 p.m. on Monday while receiving supportive treatment.
The Ministry of Health has identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers, while authorities are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight from Kampala to Nairobi.
Kenya Red Cross said its community-based surveillance volunteers are helping identify and report alerts through established channels, while community engagement teams are providing information to residents on the disease and available response measures.
The organisation has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant without panicking and to rely on information from the Ministry of Health and other designated authorities.
People who develop symptoms such as sudden fever, weakness, vomiting or unexplained bleeding have been advised to seek medical attention immediately, particularly if they have recently travelled to an Ebola-affected area or had contact with a sick person.
Suspected cases can be reported through the Ministry of Health toll-free line 719 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.
Kenya Red Cross has also urged the public to avoid stigmatising affected families and communities, stressing the need for compassion as health teams continue the response.
The organisation said it will continue supporting the government as contact tracing, surveillance, infection prevention and community response activities are expanded.
