UK Updates Kenya Travel Advisory After First Imported Ebola Case

The United Kingdom has updated its travel guidance for Kenya after the country confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease.

Kenya's Ministry of Health confirmed the case on 6 October. The patient was a Kenyan national who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo and travelled overland to Uganda before flying to Nairobi on 3 October.

The patient developed symptoms after arriving in Kenya and was admitted to hospital, where he was isolated and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. He later died and was buried.

Kenyan health authorities have launched contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus. The initial contacts included family members, healthcare workers and people linked to the patient's journey.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said 57 contacts had been traced, with some placed under quarantine while they are monitored for symptoms. Health officials are also working to identify passengers and crew members who were on the same flight as the deceased.

Following confirmation of the case, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised travellers to follow guidance from Kenyan health authorities and check for any changes to health requirements before travelling. The updated guidance states that Kenya is carrying out border screening, strengthening disease surveillance and monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus. Quarantine arrangements are also being put in place for individuals considered to be at risk of infection.

The UK has not advised against travel to Kenya as a whole. However, travellers may face additional health screening, particularly those arriving from countries affected by the wider regional Ebola situation, including Uganda, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that Kenya notified it of the imported case in line with the International Health Regulations. The case comes as countries in East and Central Africa increase surveillance in response to the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.

Kenyan officials have urged the public to remain calm as the response continues. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the necessary response measures were already in place. The Ministry of Health has advised the public to maintain good hand hygiene, use alcohol-based hand sanitiser and exercise caution when interacting with people who develop symptoms after travelling from areas affected by active outbreaks.

The case has also highlighted the importance of Kenya's transport links in managing infectious disease risks. As a major aviation and transport hub, the country receives travellers from across Africa, making border screening, early detection and contact tracing important elements of disease control.

The FCDO's Ebola-related guidance is separate from its existing security advice for parts of Kenya. The UK continues to advise against travel to several areas near Kenya's borders and parts of the coast because of security concerns. Travellers are advised to review official guidance before making travel plans.