The Ministry of Health has confirmed a third case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) in Kenya, involving a 65-year-old woman who had been under quarantine since October 6, 2026.
In a press release dated Friday, October 16 and obtained by Vantage Ke, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the woman was a primary contact and close relative of the first and second confirmed cases.
According to the ministry, the woman developed a fever, sore throat and general body weakness while in quarantine, prompting health officials to isolate her and collect samples for testing.
Laboratory tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) confirmed that she had contracted the disease. She has since been transferred to the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU), where she is receiving supportive care from trained health workers.
The ministry said the patient's early identification and isolation had enabled her to receive medical attention while reducing the risk of further transmission.
“Having been in quarantine, she was diagnosed early and is currently receiving supportive care improving her chances of recovery while limiting risk of further spread of the disease,” the statement read.
Ministry Gives Update on Other Ebola Cases
The latest confirmation brings the number of reported cases to three, according to the Ministry of Health's statement.
The ministry said the second patient remained in stable condition and was responding well to supportive treatment.
Health officials are continuing to monitor people who may have come into contact with confirmed cases as part of efforts to contain the outbreak. Of the 130 contacts identified by the ministry, 127, representing 97.7 per cent, had been traced and placed under quarantine by October 16.
The remaining three contacts were still being traced, with the ministry saying efforts were underway to locate them and ensure they were quarantined.
The ministry noted that additional cases could still emerge among people already in quarantine before their monitoring period ends. However, it said such cases would be identified and managed promptly.
It also sought to reassure Kenyans that the risk remained low, stating that there was no evidence of community transmission at the time of the announcement.
28 Counties Receive Additional Health Supplies
As part of its response, the Ministry of Health said it had distributed personal protective equipment, infection prevention and control commodities, and public health screening equipment to 28 high-risk counties and points of entry.
The supplies are intended to strengthen disease prevention measures at quarantine centres, healthcare facilities and entry points while protecting health workers involved in the response.
The ministry has also introduced additional screening requirements for travellers arriving from 10 high-risk countries.
Travellers from the affected countries are required to complete a digital surveillance form before boarding their aircraft and present the resulting QR code to port health officers upon arrival in Kenya.
Aircraft arriving from the countries are also undergoing enhanced public health screening at Kenyan international airports.
According to the ministry, a cumulative 685,027 travellers had been screened by October 15, 2026, since the outbreak began in May 2026.
Government Rules Out Travel and Trade Restrictions
Despite the confirmation of another case, the ministry said Kenya remained open for business and had not imposed restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms associated with the disease, particularly if they may have been exposed to an infected person.
The ministry listed fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding among the symptoms that should prompt immediate reporting to the nearest health facility.
It also reminded Kenyans that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick or deceased person, rather than through the air.
Members of the public seeking information or guidance can contact the Ministry of Health through its toll-free line, 719, or consult its official communication platforms.“Early reporting saves lives,” the ministry stated.
