Health authorities in Wajir County have isolated a 20-year-old Kenyan man after he developed symptoms of a suspected viral haemorrhagic fever following travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The man, who is a resident of Habaswein in Wajir South Subcounty, reportedly travelled through the DRC, Uganda and several parts of Kenya before arriving back home on September 20, 2026.
According to health officials, he developed symptoms while in the DRC on September 2. He later travelled by road through Uganda before crossing into Kenya through Malaba and continuing his journey through Nairobi and Isiolo.
After reaching Habaswein, the man sought treatment at a local medical facility where he was initially treated for pneumonia and septicaemia. However, his condition did not improve.
He was later admitted to Albadar Nursing Home, where he was found to have symptoms including fever and headache, as well as severe anaemia.
Health authorities have since isolated him as investigations continue to establish the cause of his illness.
Samples have already been collected and reported to the National Health Virology Laboratory for further testing. Authorities have not confirmed that the man has Ebola.
The development comes only days after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola involving another Kenyan who had travelled from the DRC through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi. The patient was isolated and later died while receiving treatment.
The Ministry of Health has since intensified disease surveillance and screening at major entry points as it works to prevent further transmission.
The government has also increased screening of travellers arriving from several countries considered at risk, including the DRC and Uganda.
Health officials are expected to release further information once laboratory testing of the Wajir patient's samples is completed.