Kenya has confirmed its first case of Ebola, according to Al Jazeera. The patient was a man who died in Nairobi after returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the outlet reported on Tuesday.
The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa identified the case as an imported infection of Bundibugyo virus disease. The WHO office said it is supporting Kenya's efforts to bring the outbreak under control.
Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary, Duale, announced the confirmation, according to Kenyans.co.ke. Business Daily reported that the case has drawn attention to gaps in the country's screening measures at points of entry.
The Star in Kenya published background on the disease, covering its symptoms, how it spreads and where it originated.
The death in Nairobi marks the first time Kenya has recorded an Ebola case. The patient's travel history links the infection to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus has been circulating.
Bundibugyo virus disease is one of the strains of Ebola. The WHO's involvement signals that international health authorities are treating the case as a public health concern requiring coordinated surveillance and response.
Details on the man's movements, the number of contacts identified and any additional suspected cases have not been provided in the reporting summarized here.
What to watch next: whether Kenyan health authorities report further cases or contacts linked to this patient, and how screening at the country's entry points is adjusted in response.
