The United States government has urged its citizens living or travelling to Kenya to exercise caution following the country’s first reported case and death from Ebola.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The U.S. embassy in Nairobi on Wednesday, October 7, called on U.S. citizens who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus to monitor their health and seek medical guidance if they develop symptoms associated with the disease.

"The Government of Kenya reported a case of Bundibugyo virus disease (“Ebola”) on October 6.  Health officials are tracing the patient's contacts," the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi announced.

According to the Embassy, the health alert followed confirmation that the patient travelled by land from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Uganda before flying to Nairobi on October 3.

📌 What You Need to Know

American citizens at risk of exposure were advised to alert their healthcare providers if they develop symptoms consistent with Ebola and seek guidance before presenting for medical care.

"If at risk for Ebola, alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms consistent with Ebola to receive guidance before presenting for care," it added.

The embassy also urged travellers to monitor their health for 21 days after travelling to an area experiencing an Ebola outbreak, while continuing to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by their doctors.

"Continue to take malaria prophylaxis as recommended by your doctor.  Symptoms of malaria can mimic symptoms of Ebola, leading to preventable health scares," the U.S. government stated.

American citizens with urgent health concerns or who require assistance were urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Gigiri directly through its toll-free number for guidance and immediate consular support.

The latest alert came a day after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed Kenya’s first imported case and death from the Ebola Bundibugyo virus.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke