Laboratory tests on a 20-year-old man suspected of having Ebola in Wajir County have returned negative, easing fears that Kenya could be facing a second case of the deadly Bundibugyo virus.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi confirmed the results in a statement on Thursday, October 8, saying the patient had been reported at Habaswein Sub-County Hospital in Wajir South, prompting health officials to carry out tests because of his travel history.
“I am pleased to report that the preliminary laboratory results indicate that the sample is negative for Ebola virus disease,” Abdullahi said.
The county government said the man would continue receiving medical care as health officials monitor his condition in line with established public health protocols.
The announcement comes amid heightened vigilance following the death of a 40-year-old Kenyan who tested positive for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus.
Abdullahi commended health workers at Habaswein Sub-County Hospital, the County Department of Health and the Ministry of Health for their swift response to the suspected case.
“These results are reassuring. The County Department of Health and the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the patient and provide appropriate medical care in accordance with established public health protocols,” the governor said.
He also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause unnecessary alarm.
“I urge residents to remain calm and to avoid sharing unverified information, which can cause unnecessary fear and panic. Please rely only on official communication from the County Government of Wajir and the Ministry of Health,” he added.
Man Had Travelled Through DRC and Uganda
The 20-year-old man, who works with a cargo truck, reportedly travelled through the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and several parts of Kenya before arriving at his residence on September 20.
Initial reports indicated that he had developed a severe illness while in the DRC on September 2 and had not responded to treatment.
His travel history prompted health officials to investigate the possibility of Ebola infection.
Kenya Steps Up Ebola Surveillance
The Wajir update comes days after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the death of Kenya’s first confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo case.
Duale said the deceased had travelled from the DRC through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi aboard a Jambojet flight on Saturday, October 3.
The patient was later taken to Nairobi Hospital and isolated after developing symptoms that included fever, fatigue and bleeding under the skin.
He died at approximately 11.30pm on Monday, October 5, prompting the Ministry of Health to intensify contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to follow official guidance and report suspected cases through the appropriate health channels.
Also Read: Canada Issues Ebola Precautions for Kenya-Bound Travellers as Health Alert Grows