6th October 2026

Kenya's Health minister, Aden Duale, announced yesterday that a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years died after returning to Kenya, making this Kenya's first-ever Ebola death. The man had been treated in the DRC after falling ill about a month ago. He then travelled overland to Kampala, Uganda and then took a flight to Nairobi on 3 October. Duale said the man underwent normal public screening at the airport before he was transferred by a relative to a hospital in the city. He was immediately isolated, suffering from fever, intense fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, painful swallowing, sore throat and bleeding under the skin at the injection sites. Duale said officials had identified 28 contacts of the deceased, but that so far “only one test has turned positive" that of the man who died. He added that authorities were looking for another 23 passengers and four crew members who were on the same flight. “I wish to assure the public not to panic, as all systems are in place to mitigate the spread of the disease,” he said. There are no reports of any specific actions being taken in Uganda as a consequence of this case.International medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned on Monday of an “alarming surge” in cases in eastern North Kivu province, which borders Uganda. The province now accounts for 40% of all new Ebola cases.  More than 4,000 people have died from Ebola in DR Congo this year, in what is the second most deadly known outbreak of the disease. 

Loving God, pour out your healing on all who are suffering with Ebola. We thank you for all who are risking their own health and lives to treat the sick and to help prevent the spread of this disease. Watch over everyone delivering care that their safety and health will be maintined. We ask for your sustaining comfort and compassion on all who grieve the deaths of people they love  Guide the authorities in searching for all who had been in contact with this man, both in Uganda and Kenya. May the international community provide bountiful support to the DRC to get control of the disease and to arrest its spread, and that   breakthroughs will come swiftly as new vaccines, treatments and prevension strategies are developed.  Loving God, we ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

The Cotswolds Metal Detecting Community (CMDC), established in September 2024 by Karl Monks, hosts fortnightly midweek events across the Cotswolds and South Gloucestershire, UK. Club members pay no membership subscription but £20 to take part in a dig, with funds shared between landowners and selected charities. There is also a fundraising card at each dig, and money from that keeps the club going, covering fuel, tea and coffee and other expenses. Karl said that, "The best part of this club is its members – everyone knows each other, and digs are a sort of community get-together social event."  Importantly, the club has raised more than £36,000 for charities and community groups through their organised digs. Beneficiaries have included Longfield Community Hospice and the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC).  The club also recently found two gold Roman coins which are now with Gloucestershire’s Finds Liaison Officer for assessment. 

Jesus Christ our risen Lord,

we give you thanks and praise

that you have won a victory over death. 

We rejoice in your resurrection

and the new life you offer

us in your Kingdom of love.

You alone are worthy to receive

blessing and honour

and glory and power.

We bow in homage

and worship you

our Lord and Saviour.

 Amen.