Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in Kenya
Key points
- The Kenyan Ministry of Health has confirmed an imported case, as well as other linked cases, of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Local health authorities are conducting investigations to identify contacts and assess the risk of further transmission.
- CDC recommends practicing usual precautions for travel to Kenya, including avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of Ebola disease, such as fever, muscle pain, and rash, or their body fluids.
- If you develop fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness):
- Separate yourself from others (isolate) immediately.
- Do not travel.
- Contact the local health authorities or a healthcare facility for advice. Calling ahead before going to a healthcare facility helps the facility prepare for your arrival, including contacting health authorities and taking any precautions needed to protect staff and other patients.
Traveler Information
- Health Information for Travelers to Kenya
- CDC Ebola Website
- Travel Health and Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Register with the U.S. Department of State
- Information for Travelers Returning from Ebola-Affected Areas
Clinician Information
- Post-Travel Evaluation to Rule Out Viral Special Pathogen Infection in the CDC Yellow BookTM: Health Information for International Travel
- Clinical Screening and Diagnosis for VHFs | Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) | CDC
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) for Healthcare Providers
Information for Organizations
Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) is a rare and potentially deadly type of viral hemorrhagic fever. BVD is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola virus. BVD has caused two previous outbreaks, one in Uganda in 2007 and one in DRC in 2012.
BVD is spread by contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a person who is infected with or has died from BVD. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects (such as clothing, bedding, needles, and medical equipment), or by contact with animals, such as bats and nonhuman primates, that are infected with BVD.
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and unexplained bleeding or bruising (a late stage of illness).
There are no vaccines or specific treatments approved to prevent or treat BVD. Early supportive care improves the chance of survival.