The Nairobi Hospital has confirmed the death of a patient who was being treated for Ebola at its isolation facility, saying the patient died on the evening of October 5, two days after admission.
The hospital said the patient received care from a dedicated clinical team working in coordination with the Ministry of Health. They also expressed its condolences to the patient’s family while maintaining that it would not release further identifying information in order to protect the patient’s privacy.
The facility also sought to reassure the public that the Ebola isolation unit is physically separated from the main hospital. According to the hospital, the unit has its own entrance, access route and dedicated staff, with no shared clinical space with the rest of the facility.
The Nairobi Hospital said its main operations have continued throughout the case, with emergency care, maternity services, theatres, wards and outpatient services operating normally.
The hospital further said infection prevention and control measures remain in place to identify patients who may present with infectious disease risks and manage them through controlled isolation procedures.
Staff involved in the patient’s care worked in full protective equipment and under supervision, according to the hospital.
The facility added that all identified contacts are being monitored in coordination with the Ministry of Health for the required 21-day period.
The hospital said it would continue working with the Ministry of Health and other relevant public health authorities and implement any additional measures recommended by health officials.
The death comes as Kenya responds to its first confirmed imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease. Health authorities have been coordinating surveillance, contact tracing and case-management measures following confirmation of the case.
The Nairobi Hospital maintained that the situation has not disrupted its wider operations and urged patients, families, staff and the public to remain assured that the facility is open and operating with measures in place to protect those accessing its services.
