Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola, with the Ministry of Health reporting that a 39-year-old man tested positive for Bundibugyo virus disease after developing symptoms while in quarantine.
The second Ebola patient is a close family member of Kenya’s first confirmed case and was already under daily monitoring when he developed fever, fatigue and joint pains on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 14, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the patient was isolated and tested immediately after showing symptoms.
Laboratory tests at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KEMRI-CDC) laboratory returned matching positive results.
“He is now in a designated treatment centre, where trained teams are giving him supportive care,” the Ministry said.
Kenya has now recorded two confirmed cases of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) and one death. The Ministry said early detection of the second case demonstrated the importance of quarantine, daily monitoring and prompt isolation in controlling the spread of the virus.
“Because he was already in quarantine, his illness was detected early,” the Ministry stated, adding that isolating patients at the first sign of symptoms helps limit the risk of transmission.
Kenya Ebola update: 108 contacts in quarantine
The Ministry of Health said both confirmed Ebola cases are linked, adding that there is “no evidence of spread in the wider community.”
As of Tuesday, October 13, health authorities had identified 128 contacts linked to the first Ebola case and traced 113. Of those, 108 were in quarantine in Kenya, while five were outside the country and the relevant health authorities had been notified.
Contact tracing for the remaining 15 people was ongoing, while teams were assessing people who may have been exposed to the second patient after his symptoms began, including quarantine staff and health workers.
Those in quarantine are undergoing daily clinical assessments and temperature checks for 21 days from their last possible exposure. Anyone who develops symptoms will be isolated and tested immediately.
The Ministry said infection prevention and control measures had been reinforced at quarantine and treatment facilities, with health workers required to follow strict precautions.
Is Kenya under Ebola travel restrictions?
The Ministry said Kenya has not imposed restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings following confirmation of the second Ebola case.
The response is being coordinated 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 line with international health regulations.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to remain calm but vigilant, clarifying that Ebola does not spread through the air. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is sick with, or has died from, the disease.
People experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been advised to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest health facility.
Kenyans have also been urged to protect the privacy of the affected family, rely on official Ministry of Health updates and call the toll-free line 719 for information.
