The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant but avoid panic following the confirmation of the country’s first imported case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
In a statement issued on October 6, 2026, KMA said the confirmed case involved the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The patient has since died.
The association conveyed its condolences to the patient’s family and commended health workers and laboratories for the swift identification of the case.
KMA said early identification of suspected cases, contact tracing, quarantine and humane isolation would be critical in preventing further transmission of the virus.
The association urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek medical attention, particularly if they had travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days.
The advisory also applies to passengers who travelled on Jambojet flight 8523, which arrived in Nairobi on October 3, as well as individuals who may have had contact with a suspected case.
Those affected have been advised to call 719 or *719# before visiting a health facility to allow healthcare workers to prepare for their safe arrival.
Anyone unable to make the call has been advised to proceed to the nearest health facility and immediately disclose their travel and contact history.
KMA further urged people placed under quarantine to comply with the orders, noting that the 21-day monitoring period is intended to ensure that anyone who develops symptoms receives timely care and does not unknowingly expose others.
The association called on the Ministry of Health, county governments and health facilities to provide adequate support and daily medical monitoring to people under quarantine and their families.
KMA also called on healthcare workers to take heightened precautions when managing suspected Ebola cases.
Health workers have been advised to screen patients for travel history, isolate suspected cases immediately and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when managing suspected cases.
The association further urged any healthcare worker who experiences an unprotected exposure to report it immediately, without waiting for laboratory results.
According to KMA, the Bundibugyo strain has historically been less deadly than the Zaire strain.
The association noted that 18 of 20 confirmed patients in Uganda survived after receiving early care this year.
KMA said there is currently no approved vaccine or specific drug for the Bundibugyo strain, making early identification and timely medical care important in managing the disease.
The association also sought to address misinformation surrounding Ebola, stating that the virus does not spread through the air or casual contact.
Instead, Ebola spreads through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person.
Kenyans have been urged to maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with people who are ill and rely on official sources for information.
KMA also cautioned against spreading rumours or sharing personal information about patients and contacts.
The association called on the government to ensure adequate PPE reaches health facilities, isolation units remain ready and surveillance at points of entry is strengthened.
It further urged authorities to ensure frontline healthcare workers are adequately protected and supported during the response.
KMA said Kenya has the capacity to contain the outbreak through early action, community cooperation and transparent leadership.
