NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola case was caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a less commonly reported member of the group of viruses that cause Ebola disease.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said laboratory tests at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) confirmed the infection.
The patient, a Kenyan who had lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo for seven years, died on Monday after receiving supportive treatment in Nairobi.
The Ministry has listed 28 contacts and is tracing 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight.
What is Bundibugyo virus?
“Ebola” is commonly used to describe a group of related viruses.
The World Health Organization identifies four species known to cause disease in humans: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Bundibugyo virus and Taï Forest virus. Each causes a distinct disease.
The Bundibugyo virus was first identified during an outbreak in Uganda in 2007.
It is the cause of the current outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, according to WHO.
The Kenyan patient’s infection was confirmed as Bundibugyo virus disease, rather than the better-known Ebola virus disease associated with the Zaire species.
Is there a vaccine?
There is no licensed vaccine specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease.
The licensed Ervebo vaccine is for Ebola virus disease caused by the Ebola virus; WHO says there is not enough evidence to confirm that it protects people against Bundibugyo infection.
Vaccine candidates for Bundibugyo are being studied.
WHO also says there is no approved specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease.
Care focuses on supportive treatment, while early identification, isolation, contact tracing and infection-control measures help limit transmission.
What symptoms does it cause?
Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache and sore throat.
They may be followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash and, in some cases, internal or external bleeding.
Symptoms can resemble other illnesses, so laboratory testing is needed to confirm Ebola.
The Ministry says it has screened more than 652,000 travellers since the outbreak began in May and tested 267 samples, with the Kenyan patient’s sample the only one to test positive so far.
It has urged the public to follow official Ministry of Health updates and call the toll-free line 719 for information.
