Kenya has confirmed its first-ever Ebola death, following the arrival of a citizen from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the virus is spreading rapidly.
The Kenyan health minister announced the country's first Ebola death on Tuesday, as the outbreak continues to surge in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since the emergence of the Bundibugyo strain, which has no vaccine or specific treatment. As of 2 October, 4,082 people had died out of 8,463 confirmed cases in the DRC.
A Kenyan man who had been living in the DRC for seven years died after returning to Kenya. He had been treated in the DRC after falling ill about a month ago and later travelled to Nairobi. Officials identified 28 contacts of the deceased, with only one other test so far confirming the virus. Authorities are also searching for additional passengers and crew members who were on the same flight.
Why it matters
Kenya's first Ebola death highlights the risk of cross-border transmission as the virus spreads rapidly in the DRC.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The response of Kenyan health authorities to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.