NAIROBI, Kenya- A 65-year-old woman being treated for Bundibugyo Ebola has died, bringing Kenya’s death toll from the outbreak to two among nine confirmed cases, the Ministry of Health has said.
The woman was the third confirmed case in Kenya and a close family member of the first patient, who also died.
She had been in quarantine when she developed symptoms on October 13 and was admitted to an infectious disease unit the same day.
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said she had received supportive care from medical teams but died early on Friday evening.
“Sadly, she succumbed to the disease early this evening,” Amoth said in a statement released at 10pm.
The ministry said the patient’s family had been informed and extended its condolences to her relatives, friends and community.
It also asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy as they mourn.
Safe burial planned
The ministry said it was working with the family to arrange a safe and dignified burial under public health protocols.
Trained teams will conduct the burial while taking account of the family’s wishes and beliefs, it said.
The remaining seven patients are receiving care in two isolation facilities.
The ministry said all nine confirmed cases were linked to one cluster of known contacts, with no evidence of community transmission.
The new death raises the outbreak’s fatality count from one to two. The first patient, who was Kenya’s initial confirmed case, also died.
Amoth said the death was a reminder that Ebola can be fatal and that a patient’s condition can change suddenly.
Ministry issues safety guidance
The Ministry of Health urged people to avoid contact with the blood or body fluids of anyone who is sick and not to touch or handle the body of a person who has died from a suspected illness.
It advised the public to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and to seek help promptly if they develop fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
“Call 719 free of charge or use the WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719,” Amoth said.
The ministry said the patient’s death should not lead to stigma against affected families, urging Kenyans to support them with respect and compassion.
“Let us honour her memory by standing together, supporting affected families with respect, dignity and compassion,” Amoth said.
