The Ministry of Health has confirmed one more case of Ebola, bringing the total number of confirmed infections in the ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak to nine, including one death.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the Ministry said the latest case involves a 24-year-old man who is a close family member of the first patient.
The man tested positive on October 19 and was already in quarantine when he developed symptoms. He was immediately isolated and placed on treatment following confirmation of the infection.
Health officials say all nine cases belong to one known cluster, with no evidence of transmission outside the group.
The Ministry has also reported encouraging progress in the management of patients, saying all eight surviving patients are responding well to treatment and remain under close medical observation.
According to Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, the government has received 500 doses of medicines to support the treatment of confirmed cases. He thanked partners for their solidarity and continued support in managing the outbreak.
Contact tracing efforts have also intensified, with 134 of the 135 identified contacts, representing 99.3 per cent, having been traced and quarantined. The Ministry said this figure is significantly above the global benchmark of 85 per cent.
The government has further strengthened preparedness in counties considered to be at risk, distributing medical supplies to 12 high-risk and 16 high-risk counties, including personal protective equipment, sample collection and transport kits, diagnostic kits and thermometers.
In addition, a dedicated laboratory has been established at the Kenyatta National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to handle routine tests for patients under Ebola care. The move is intended to prevent contamination of the hospital’s main laboratory and ensure that other patients continue receiving services without disruption.
The Ministry has assured Kenyans that infection prevention and control measures remain in place at quarantine and treatment centres. It says there has been no spread of infection within quarantine facilities and that healthcare workers caring for patients are fully protected.
Kenya remains open, with no restrictions imposed on travel, trade or public gatherings. However, members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and follow guidance issued by health authorities.
Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding has been advised to report immediately to the nearest health facility or call the toll-free number 719.
Meanwhile, the Ministry says contacts who entered quarantine on October 6 and remain well are expected to complete their mandatory 21-day monitoring period and begin returning home from the weekend of October 25.
The government has appealed to communities to welcome those completing quarantine without stigma, noting that individuals who complete the 21-day period without symptoms pose no risk of infection to others.
Dr Amoth expressed confidence that continued cooperation among health workers, communities, national and county governments, and development partners would help bring the outbreak to an end.
