Kenya has reported no new Ebola cases, with all 14 samples tested in the past 24 hours returning negative results as the country enters Day 17 of its response to the Bundibugyo virus outbreak.
In a press release dated October 22, 2026, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the total number of confirmed cases remained at nine, including the index case, who died on October 5.
The nine cases are linked to a single cluster, with the Ministry of Health reporting no evidence of community transmission.
Dr Amoth said eight patients receiving treatment at designated isolation facilities, including four family members and four healthcare workers who cared for the first case, were stable and responding well to treatment.
The Ministry expressed optimism that the patients would complete treatment, recover fully and be discharged to reunite with their families.
The government also confirmed that all 135 contacts associated with the first case had been traced, representing a 100 per cent contact-tracing rate both within Kenya and internationally.
According to the Ministry, epidemiologists have mapped the exposure dates, quarantine periods and symptom onset of all confirmed cases. Investigations established that each patient had been in close contact with the first case between October 3 and 5, before entering quarantine, and developed symptoms within Ebola's known incubation period of two to 21 days.
The Ministry said the findings were consistent with transmission from the initial case, adding that no infections had been traced to transmission within quarantine facilities.
Meanwhile, surveillance and testing have continued nationwide, with health officials screening travellers at points of entry and monitoring communities for possible infections.
A total of 709,093 travellers had been screened by October 22, including 3,107 in the preceding 24 hours. The Ministry also reported that 461 samples had been tested since the outbreak began in May 2026.
The first group of contacts is expected to leave quarantine on Sunday, October 25, after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period, provided they remain in good health.
Dr Amoth said those cleared would be reunited with their families and urged communities, workplaces and neighbours to welcome them without stigma, noting that they had completed the monitoring period without falling ill and could not transmit the infection to others.
The Ministry reiterated that life in Kenya continues normally, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
Kenyans have been urged to continue following public health guidance and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms has been advised to visit the nearest health facility or contact the Ministry of Health through the toll-free number 719 or the Jali hotline on WhatsApp at 0700 719 719.
The Ministry said the country was making steady progress towards ending the outbreak and called on the public to cooperate with response teams while supporting affected patients, contacts and healthcare workers.
