Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola, with 108 contacts of the first patient in quarantine as health authorities step up surveillance and contact tracing to contain the outbreak.
The Ministry of Health said the second patient was a 39-year-old man and a close family member of the first case. He had been quarantined and monitored daily before developing symptoms on 13 October.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the ministry said the man developed a fever, fatigue and joint pain, prompting health workers to isolate him and collect samples for testing.
The samples tested positive at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KEMRI-CDC) laboratory.
He has since been transferred to a designated treatment centre, where he is receiving supportive care.
Kenya has now recorded two confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola, and one death.
The ministry said the early detection of the second case highlighted the importance of quarantine and daily monitoring in identifying infections and preventing further transmission.
Both cases are linked, and there was no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of the statement, the ministry said.
Contact tracing continues
The ministry said 128 contacts linked to the first case had been identified, with 113 traced by 13 October.
Of those traced, 108 are in quarantine in Kenya, where they are undergoing daily clinical assessments and temperature checks for 21 days from their last possible exposure.
The remaining five contacts are outside the country. The relevant health authorities have been notified in line with international health regulations.
Contact tracing is continuing for the 15 people who have not yet been traced. Health teams are also assessing people who may have been exposed to the second patient after he developed symptoms, including quarantine staff and health workers.
Anyone under monitoring who develops symptoms will be isolated and tested immediately, the ministry said.
Infection prevention and control measures have been strengthened at quarantine and treatment facilities, with health workers provided with the necessary protective equipment.
No travel or trade restrictions
The response is being coordinated through a single national command under the Public Health (Declaration of Formidable Epidemic Disease) Order, 2026, and the Public Health (Ebola Disease) Rules, 2026.
The World Health Organization has also been notified in accordance with international health regulations.
Despite the confirmed cases, the ministry said Kenya remained open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
It urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
The ministry said Ebola does not spread through the air. It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who is sick or has died from the disease.
Members of the public were also urged to respect the privacy of the affected family and rely on official ministry updates for information.
The ministry said people could call the toll-free number 719 for further information.
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