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Kenya Confirms First Ebola Death After Patient Returns From DR Congo

other · 2026-10-06

Kenya's health minister, Aden Duale, announced on Tuesday that the country has recorded its first-ever Ebola death. The patient, an unnamed Kenyan man who had been residing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, fell ill roughly one month ago and received treatment there. He then traveled overland to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding a flight to Nairobi on October 3. Upon arrival, he was screened and confirmed positive for the Ebola virus. Duale stated that the man "regrettably passed on last night at around 1130." Authorities have identified 28 contacts of the deceased, a group that includes family members and healthcare workers. So far, only one of those contacts has tested positive, and that individual is the patient already discussed. The case marks Kenya's first imported Ebola infection and its first Ebola-related fatality. The announcement was made during a press briefing held by the health minister.

Key facts

  • Kenya has reported its first-ever Ebola death.
  • The patient was an unnamed Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • He fell ill about a month before his death and was treated in the DR Congo.
  • He traveled overland to Kampala, Uganda, then flew to Nairobi on October 3.
  • He was screened and confirmed positive for Ebola upon arrival in Kenya.
  • Health Minister Aden Duale announced the death on Tuesday.
  • The man died at around 11:30 PM the night before the announcement.
  • Authorities listed 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers.
  • Only one contact has tested positive so far.

Entities

Artists

  • Aden Duale

Locations

  • Kenya
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Kampala
  • Uganda
  • Nairobi

Sources