NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has confirmed its first Ebola case in a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The patient arrived in Nairobi on Saturday and later died, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said.
Authorities have identified 28 contacts, including family members and health workers.
Ebola can cause serious illness, but symptoms alone cannot confirm that someone has the disease.
Early signs can resemble malaria, typhoid and other infections. Laboratory testing is needed to make a diagnosis.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually begin suddenly and can appear 2 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs may include:
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness or weakness
- Headache and muscle pain
- Sore throat
The illness may progress to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and a rash.
Some patients experience bleeding, but it is not always present and may develop later.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of someone who is sick or has died from the disease.
It can also spread through items contaminated by those fluids, such as bedding, clothing or medical equipment.
A person with Ebola does not transmit the virus before symptoms begin.
What should you do if you may have been exposed?
If you develop symptoms after travelling to an affected area or having direct contact with a suspected or confirmed case, call Kenya’s Public Health Emergency line on 719 immediately.
Follow the instructions from health officials, avoid close contact with other people and do not travel to a health facility before calling if Ebola exposure is possible.
Do not try to diagnose or treat the illness at home.
WHO says patients with suspected Ebola should receive care at a designated treatment centre.
Anyone identified as a contact may be monitored by health officials for 21 days after exposure.
How can people reduce the risk?
Avoid contact with a sick person’s bodily fluids and with items that may be contaminated.
Wash hands regularly with soap and safe running water or use hand sanitiser.
Do not handle the body of someone who may have died from Ebola; contact health authorities so trained teams can manage the burial safely and with dignity.
The Kenya National Public Health Institute advises people to call 719 for guidance if they suspect exposure or develop symptoms.
