A 20‑year‑old resident of Habaswein in Wajir South Sub‑County was isolated on suspicion of a viral haemorrhagic fever after developing a severe febrile illness during travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He first reported fever and headache on 2 September 2026 while working as a turnboy on a cargo truck in the DRC, then travelled through Uganda, entered Kenya at Malaba, and reached Habaswein around 20 September.

Initial treatment at Hilac Medical Clinic for pneumonia and septicaemia lasted three days before he was transferred to Albadar Nursing Home, where severe anaemia (haemoglobin 4 g/dL) was recorded.

He received two units of whole blood, intravenous Augmentin and paracetamol, yet remained clinically unwell, prompting isolation and further investigation.

Blood samples have been collected for specialised testing and are to be sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), as local facilities lack the required equipment.

The suspected viral haemorrhagic fever has not yet been confirmed; laboratory results will determine the exact cause of the illness.

Health authorities have begun contact‑tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed during the patient’s journey from the DRC through Uganda and Kenya, as well as contacts after his arrival in Habaswein.

Surveillance and other public‑health measures are being reinforced in the region while the investigation proceeds.

The patient remains in isolation under close medical monitoring as officials await laboratory confirmation.