Mirian Gom 
NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) after a Kenyan national died in Nairobi, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance and contact tracing to prevent local transmission.
The patient had lived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for seven years and had been ill for about a month before travelling to Kenya, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the patient travelled from Beni in the DRC to Kampala, Uganda, on 2 October and flew to Nairobi on 3 October.
The patient was taken to hospital and isolated after arrival. Tests conducted by Kenya’s National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute confirmed the infection.
The patient died on the night of 5 October and was buried on 6 October under Kenya’s safe and dignified burial protocol for Ebola-related diseases.
Kenya Traces Contacts After Virus Confirmation
Kenyan health authorities have identified 28 contacts, including family members and healthcare workers who attended to the patient.
They are also tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who travelled on the same flight from Uganda to Nairobi.
The WHO said arrangements were under way to ensure appropriate follow-up and quarantine for people considered at risk.
President William Ruto has ordered an enhanced response, with health authorities strengthening screening at points of entry, case investigations, disease surveillance and public risk communication.
Kenya Steps Up Ebola Surveillance
Kenya had screened more than 652,000 travellers entering the country since it went on high alert in May, the WHO said.
During the same period, authorities tested 267 suspected samples and trained about 5,000 health workers in Ebola prevention and management.
Bundibugyo virus disease is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of orthoebolavirus associated with Ebola disease. The infection can cause severe illness and spread through direct contact with infected people or contaminated bodily fluids and materials.
Four Countries Report Bundibugyo Virus Cases
Kenya is the fourth country to confirm a Bundibugyo virus disease case, according to the report.
The DRC is responding to an ongoing outbreak, while Uganda ended its latest outbreak in August 2026. France also reported a travel-related case in June.
The WHO has advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, Uganda or the DRC based on the available information.
The agency said rapid surveillance, contact tracing and coordinated public health action remain critical to limiting transmission and preventing further cases.
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Hope Ajayi 
Korede Abdullah 