Kenya has identified 127 contacts of an imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease and quarantined 94 of them as health authorities intensify surveillance and containment measures to prevent further transmission.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed the figures on Monday while announcing the delivery of emergency medical supplies worth approximately $70,000 to strengthen Kenya’s response to the case, which was confirmed on October 6.

The intervention comes as authorities expand contact tracing, strengthen laboratory testing and increase preparedness among healthcare workers following the death of the infected patient.

According to WHO, the supplies are intended to protect frontline medical personnel and improve the capacity of health facilities to identify, test and safely manage suspected cases.

The materials include protective clothing, isolation gowns, goggles, face shields, Ebola testing kits and specialised containers for transporting potentially infectious laboratory samples.

Other equipment supplied includes infrared thermometers, disinfectant sprayers and materials for infection prevention, waste management and the safe handling of medical equipment.

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WHO said the measures were essential to reducing the risk of infections within healthcare facilities and ensuring that medical personnel could continue providing essential services while responding to the public health emergency. “Protecting health workers is essential to saving lives,” WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Kimambo, said.

She added that the assistance would strengthen the country’s ability to manage suspected cases safely, minimise infection risks and maintain essential healthcare services.

Beyond the emergency supplies, Kenya has intensified surveillance at its borders and other entry points. WHO said more than 665,000 travellers had been screened as part of efforts to identify potential cases and prevent further transmission.

Five laboratories have also been designated for Ebola testing, including two mobile facilities located at the Busia and Bungoma border crossings.

The agency added that nearly 5,000 healthcare workers had received training in disease detection, patient management and infection prevention.

These measures are intended to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect infections quickly and respond before additional cases emerge.

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Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease on October 6. According to WHO, the patient was a Kenyan citizen who became ill while living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The patient travelled through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3. After reaching a hospital, the individual was isolated, and laboratory tests subsequently confirmed infection with the Bundibugyo virus. Despite receiving supportive medical care, the patient died on October 5.

WHO’s October 6 report initially identified 28 contacts associated with the case. Monday’s update increased that figure to 127, indicating an expansion of efforts to trace people who may have been exposed to the infection.

The identification of contacts does not necessarily mean that all those listed have contracted the virus. Quarantine and monitoring are precautionary measures intended to identify symptoms promptly and reduce the possibility of further transmission.

The case has also drawn attention to the cross-border dimensions of infectious disease surveillance in East Africa, where population movement and regional travel can complicate efforts to contain outbreaks.

WHO said the ongoing outbreak in the DRC had recorded more than 8,700 confirmed cases, highlighting the scale of the regional health emergency.

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Uganda ended its outbreak in August, while France and Kenya had each recorded one imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, according to the agency.

The developments underscore the importance of coordination between national health authorities, laboratories and international partners in monitoring infections that cross borders.

For Kenya, the response also places pressure on public health resources, including laboratory capacity, protective equipment, healthcare personnel and the systems required to monitor potentially exposed individuals.

Effective containment depends on rapid testing, reliable information-sharing and the ability of health authorities to identify and monitor contacts without disrupting essential medical services.

WHO has maintained its advice against imposing travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, Uganda or the DRC. Instead, it has emphasised coordinated surveillance and effective disease-control measures.

The agency’s position reflects the importance of targeted public health interventions rather than broad restrictions that may disrupt travel, trade and regional economic activity without being justified by the available evidence.

As contact tracing continues, the number of people monitored and the speed at which suspected cases are identified will remain important indicators of Kenya’s ability to contain the imported infection.

The immediate priority is to prevent further transmission, protect healthcare workers and ensure that suspected cases can be detected and managed safely. Continued cooperation between Kenya and its regional partners will be critical to limiting the wider public health consequences of the outbreak