The 31-year old Kenyan male arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International airport on Saturday. Medical personnel allowed him into the country, despite noticing he was unwell, and had travelled from Angola- currently battling a severe outbreak of yellow fever. Three days later, the patient was diagnosed with the virus and died at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Health officials are now required to vet individuals arriving from high-risk countries.
The yellow fever virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once contracted, the virus incubates in the body for up to six days, followed by symptoms including fever, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Fifteen percent of patients enter a second toxic phase, where bleeding and organ failure can occur. Half of those may die within 10 to 14 days. Vaccination is the single most important measure for preventing yellow fever. The virus is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Latin America.
Kenya though remains classified as a low-risk country.
An alert was sent out on Wednesday, to all counties, hospitals and points of entry for thorough screening to identify and isolate other possible cases. On Thursday, ministry of health officials confirmed a second case: another Kenyan who also just returned from Angola.
