Kenya has recorded its second Ebola-related death after a 65-year-old woman who was the country’s third confirmed case of the disease succumbed to the infection on Friday, October 23.
In a press release issued late Friday evening, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the woman, who contracted the Bundibugyo virus disease, died earlier in the evening while receiving treatment at an infectious disease unit.
According to the ministry, the patient was a close family member and direct contact of Kenya’s first Ebola case, who also died from the disease.
She had been under quarantine when she developed symptoms on October 13, 2026, and was admitted to the infectious disease unit on the same day.
The ministry said medical teams had been providing supportive care in an effort to save her life, but she eventually succumbed to the illness.
“The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of a 65-year-old female patient, the third confirmed case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) in Kenya,” the statement by Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, read in part.
Kenya's Ebola Death Toll Rises to Two
The latest death brings the number of fatalities to two among nine confirmed Ebola cases reported in Kenya.
The Ministry of Health stated that the remaining seven patients were receiving treatment in two isolation facilities.
Despite the deaths, the government maintained that all confirmed cases remained within a single cluster of known contacts, with no evidence of community transmission.
“All cases remain within one cluster of known contacts, and there is no evidence of community spread,” the ministry stated.
The development underscores the continued threat posed by the outbreak, particularly given the possibility that patients' conditions may deteriorate rapidly.
“Her passing is a painful reminder that Ebola is a serious disease that can be fatal, and patients can change condition suddenly without warning,” Amoth added.
Government Announces Burial Arrangements
Following the patient's death, the Ministry of Health said it was working with her family to facilitate a safe and dignified burial in line with established public health protocols.
Trained teams will conduct the burial while respecting the family's wishes and beliefs and taking measures to protect relatives and the wider community from possible infection.
The government also confirmed that the woman's family had been formally informed of her death.
The ministry extended its condolences to the bereaved family, friends and community, while appealing to the public and media to respect their privacy as they mourn.
Ministry Issues Fresh Ebola Warning
The Ministry of Health urged Kenyans to continue observing public health precautions to minimise the risk of infection.
Members of the public were advised to avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of sick people and not to touch or handle the bodies of people who have died from suspected illnesses.
The ministry also encouraged regular handwashing with soap and water and urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to seek medical assistance immediately.
The symptoms highlighted by the ministry include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Kenyans experiencing these symptoms can contact the government through the toll-free number 719 or use the WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
“Let us honour her memory by standing together, supporting affected families with respect, dignity and compassion,” Dr Amoth stated.
