Kenya: Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) Readiness – DREF Operation (MDRKE072)

Countries: Kenya, Uganda Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date when the trigger was met 28-05-2026 What happened, where and when? Uganda confirmed its first case on 16th May 2026 in Kampala whereas the first case of the regional BVD outbreak was declared in DRC on 15th May 2026 in Ituri Province. The trigger for accelerated readiness was met in Kenya on 23rd May 2026 when Uganda confirmed, through a press statement by the minister for Health, additional three (3) cases further elevating the risk of case importation to Kenya from moderate likely and most likely (high risk). This is due to the enhanced trade links between Kampala and different major cities in Kenya and the high-volume cross-border movement. Kenya’s Context On 16th May 2026, after the declaration of the BVD outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by WHO and as a public health emergency of continental security (PHECS) by Africa CDC, the Director General of Health Kenya issued a public health advisory urging for calm and vigilance owing to the high-volume cross-border population mobility between Kenya, Uganda and DRC by land, air and water. As of 23rd May 2026, Kenya had not reported a confirmed case. However, on 20th May 2026, rumors of a suspected case surfaced in the social media platform having been detected in a private health facility in Ainabkoi sub county, Uasin Gishu County. The case, a 29-yearold male truck driver, Kenyan national and a resident of Zambia was said to have visited St. Luke hospital, Eldoret in the early morning of 20th May 2026 presenting with symptoms meeting the BVD suspected case definition. The county department of health – Uasin Gishu, however, dismissed the rumor through public notice as false. Nevertheless, follow up was initiated, samples collected and tested for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) with results turning negative. Quite concerning is that as of 28th May 2026, the country had picked a total of 13 suspected cases (Nairobi (9), Nakuru (1), Uasin Gishu (1), Nyeri (1), and Nyamira(1)) based on the BVD suspected case definition. Fortunately, all the tests have turned negative.

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