Kenya has recorded its first-ever Ebola death after a man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo returned to the country.
Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed the death on Tuesday. He said authorities have identified 28 people who had contact with the patient.
The contacts include family members and healthcare workers.
So far, no additional positive cases have been confirmed, according to the minister.
Patient travelled from DR Congo to Kenya
The Kenyan man had been living in DR Congo and became ill around a month ago.
He received treatment there before travelling overland to Kampala, Uganda.
He later flew from Kampala to Nairobi on October 3, according to Africanews.
Duale said the man was screened and tested positive for Ebola.
He died on Monday night at around 11:30pm.
“I wish to assure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” Duale said.
Kenya traces 28 contacts
Health authorities have now identified 28 contacts linked to the patient.
They include relatives and healthcare workers who may have come into contact with him.
However, Duale said only one positive test had been recorded so far. That test belonged to the patient who died.
Kenya had not previously recorded an Ebola case.
Earlier this year, government plans to establish an Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base sparked public opposition. The site is around 200 kilometres from Nairobi.
DR Congo battling Ebola outbreak
The case comes as DR Congo faces another Ebola outbreak.
The country declared its 17th Ebola outbreak in mid-May.
According to figures cited in the Africanews report, Ebola has killed more than 15,000 people across Africa over the past 50 years.
The report also cited World Health Organization figures showing 8,463 cases and 4,082 deaths linked to the Bundibugyo strain as of October 2.
There is currently no specific treatment or licensed vaccine for that strain, according to the report.
Kenyan authorities are continuing to trace and monitor contacts following the country’s first confirmed Ebola death.