Nairobi Hospital Issues Statement After Death of Patient in Ebola Isolation Facility

Nairobi Hospital has issued an update following the death of a patient who was being treated at its Ebola isolation facility.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, the hospital said the patient died on Monday evening, October 5, two days after being admitted to the hospital’s isolation facility. 

Nairobi Hospital CEO Felix Osano said the hospital was saddened by the death and extended its condolences to the patient’s family, while noting that the patient had been receiving care from a dedicated clinical team in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

"We are deeply saddened by the death of the patient, who passed away at The Nairobi Hospital on the evening of 5th October 2026, two days after being admitted to our isolation facility. 

"Our thoughts are with the family. The patient was cared for throughout by a dedicated clinical team, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Health. We will continue to respect the patient’s privacy and will not disclose further identifying details," the statement read.

Osano clarified that the isolation facility is separate from the hospital’s main facility, with dedicated access arrangements and staff, and that regular hospital services have continued operating.

"The Nairobi Hospital’s isolation facility is physically separate from the main hospital, with its own entrance, access route and dedicated staff. There is no shared clinical space with the main hospital, which has remained fully operational throughout. Emergency care, maternity, theatres, wards and outpatient services continue as normal," the statement added.

Osano said the hospital had maintained infection prevention and control measures to identify and manage patients who present an infectious disease risk.

"An established infection prevention and control measures remain in place. Patients presenting with an infectious disease risk are identified through screening and managed through controlled isolation protocols. 

"Our staff worked in full protective equipment under supervision, and all identified contacts, are being monitored in coordination with the Ministry of Health for the required 21-day period," the statement further read.

The Nairobi Hospital said it would continue working with public health authorities and follow any additional measures that may be recommended.

Osano further sought to reassure patients, their families, hospital staff and the wider public that the facility remains open and operational.

"The Hospital continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and other relevant public health authorities and will implement any additional measures advised.

"We want to reassure our patients, families, staff and the wider public that the hospital remains open, safe and fully operational, with appropriate measures in place to protect everyone who comes through our doors," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, Jambojet has responded after a passenger who travelled from Entebbe, Uganda, to Nairobi on one of its flights tested positive for Ebola and later died.

In a statement, the airline said it was aware of reports concerning the passenger, who travelled on Saturday, October 3, on flight JM 8523 from Entebbe to Nairobi.

Jambojet said it was collaborating with government health agencies as part of the ongoing public health response.

"We are working closely with the Ministry of Health, Port Health Services and other relevant authorities to support the ongoing public health response, including the identification and management of the other guests and crew who may have been in contact with the individual," the statement read.

Jambojet said it would continue prioritising the health and safety of passengers, crew and staff as authorities handle the situation.

"The health and safety of our guests, crew and staff remains our highest priority. We will continue to provide updates as and when it becomes available," the statement added.