Brief
Ebola spreads to new zone in eastern DRC as Kenya records first imported death
The outbreak now covers 64 zones in the DRC and has prompted contact‑tracing measures in Kenya and Uganda.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The World Health Organization said on Oct. 8 that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has been confirmed for the first time in Alimbongo health zone, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As of Oct. 6 the zone recorded four cases, two of which were fatal.
Overall, the WHO counted 8,728 confirmed Ebola cases and 4,205 deaths across the DRC, with 2,269 recoveries and a crude case‑fatality ratio of 48.2 %. Cases have now been reported in 64 health zones across seven provinces, with Ituri remaining the worst‑affected province in cumulative numbers and North Kivu contributing a growing share of new infections.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case of the Bundibugyo virus on Oct. 6. The patient, a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC, fell ill there, received treatment at several facilities, and travelled to Kenya via Uganda. After a road trip to Kampala the patient flew to Nairobi, arriving on Oct. 3. He was isolated, tested positive and died on Oct. 5 despite supportive care.
Kenyan authorities have identified 28 contacts – family members and health‑care workers – and are tracing passengers and crew from the Nairobi flight. The Ministry of Health continues to screen arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Uganda and Kenya have also stepped up surveillance and contact‑tracing in border areas.
On Oct. 8 a suspected Ebola case in Kenya’s Wajir County tested negative, easing concerns about a second case, though monitoring remains in place.
The outbreak has strained treatment capacity in the DRC, where insecurity and limited resources hamper response efforts.
Key facts
- Alimbongo health zone in North Kivu reported its first Ebola cases, four confirmed as of Oct. 6, including two deaths. (aljazeera.com)
- The WHO recorded 8,728 confirmed Ebola cases and 4,205 deaths in the DRC, with a 48.2% case‑fatality ratio. (aljazeera.com)
- Kenya confirmed its first imported Bundibugyo virus death; the patient died on Oct. 5 after traveling from the DRC via Uganda. (aljazeera.com)
- Kenyan health officials identified 28 contacts and are tracing flight passengers and crew from the Nairobi arrival. (aljazeera.com)
- A suspected Ebola case in Kenya’s Wajir County tested negative on Oct. 8. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Ebola spreads in eastern DRC as Kenya confirms imported case”
