Kenya's first imported Ebola case has put the spotlight on the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Here is what is known about this rare and dangerous pathogen.

The Bundibugyo strain is one of six known Ebola virus species. It spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, living or dead. It does not spread through the air.

Symptoms include fever, chills, severe fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat and bleeding under the skin. The Kenya patient, who had fallen ill in the DRC, showed these signs before testing positive at two Nairobi laboratories.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Patients receive supportive care, and contacts are monitored for 21 days.

The DRC outbreak, declared in mid-May, has recorded more than 8,000 cases and over 4,000 deaths. Uganda was declared free of the disease in August after reporting 20 cases.

Health experts advise anyone with a fever who has recently travelled to affected regions to seek medical care early and mention their travel history. Kenya's health ministry said quarantine arrangements for those at risk are under way to protect the public.