Kenya Confirms Second Ebola Case
Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola, 10 days after a businessman died of the virus after he had travelled to the East African nation from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Background
- The new patient: A 39-year-old man, a close relative of the first case.
- Incubation period: Ranges from two to 21 days.
- Public message: Stay calm but vigilant, as there is no evidence of community spread. Kenya remains open with no travel, trade, or public gathering restrictions.
Details
- First case: A 40-year-old Kenyan man who died on 5 October after travelling from DR Congo through Uganda to Kenya.
- Contacts: 128 people had been in contact with the first patient, with 113 found as of Tuesday, 15 October.
- Ebola spread: The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit.
- Tracing efforts: Over 4,000 deaths in DR Congo this year, caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola (rare, with no approved vaccine or treatment).
- Missed opportunities: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reconstructed the Kenyan patient's movements, revealing several missed detection opportunities during his travels.
Health Advice
Anyone with fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding should seek care promptly at the nearest health facility.