- The woman was already in quarantine when she developed symptoms, raising fresh concerns about monitoring quarantined contacts
- Kenya now has nine confirmed Ebola cases, with seven patients still receiving care across two isolation facilities
- Authorities say all infections trace back to one patient, but warn that cases among quarantined contacts could still emerge
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
The Ministry of Health has confirmed the second death emanating from Ebola.
Source: Twitter
In an official statement signed by Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth issued late Friday, October 23, the ministry revealed that a 65-year-old woman had died from Ebola, becoming the second fatality since the Bundibugyo strain entered Kenya earlier this month.
The announcement identified her as the country's third confirmed case and a close family member of Kenya's first patient, who also died.
"The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of a 65-year-old female patient, the third confirmed case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) in Kenya," the statement read.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
What Happened to the Patient
The woman was already under quarantine when she began showing symptoms on October 13.
She was admitted to an infectious disease unit on the same day and placed under supportive care. Despite efforts by medical teams, she died early Friday evening.
The ministry said her family had been formally notified and extended condolences on behalf of the government.
It called on the public and media to respect the family's privacy and confirmed that arrangements for a safe and dignified burial, in line with public health protocols, were under way.
Outbreak Timeline and Current Status
"This loss brings the number of deaths to two (2) among the nine (9) confirmed cases. The remaining 7 patients continue to receive care in the two isolation facilities," the ministry said.
Kenya's outbreak began on October 3 when the first patient, a man who had fallen ill in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) roughly a month earlier, travelled by road to Uganda and flew into Nairobi.
He died on October 5, and samples subsequently confirmed the Bundibugyo strain at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
The cases that followed were the first known local transmissions.
By October 17, four additional cases had emerged, including three health workers and a relative who had been in quarantine since October 6, pushing the total to seven. An eighth and ninth case followed by October 20.
No Community Spread, Officials Say
The ministry maintain that every infection can be traced to the first patient.
Contact tracers had reached 128 of his 130 known contacts, a rate of 98.5%, exceeding the 85% global benchmark considered necessary to interrupt transmission.
"All cases remain within one cluster of known contacts, and there is no evidence of community spread," the ministry said on Friday.
A Strain With No Approved Vaccine
The Bundibugyo strain is uncommon, and neither an approved vaccine nor a specific treatment exists for it.
All patients receive supportive care, the same approach used with the woman who died. Isolation units are operating at Kenyatta National Hospital, the National Police Service Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Port Reitz Hospital.
The ministry urged Kenyans to treat the death as a warning.
"Her passing is a painful reminder that Ebola is a serious disease that can be fatal, and patients can change condition suddenly without warning," the statement said.
The ministry advised the public to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of sick individuals, not to handle the bodies of those who may have died from a suspected illness, and to wash hands regularly with soap and water.
Anyone experiencing fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding should call 719 free of charge or reach the ministry's WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
Kenya's outbreak is connected to a wider epidemic in Congo, which has recorded more than 9,000 cases and over 4,600 deaths since it was officially detected in May.
Source: TUKO.co.ke