Kenya has recorded its second death from Ebola after a 65-year-old woman, who was the country's third confirmed case, succumbed to the disease while receiving treatment.
In a press release issued on Friday night, October 23, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the woman died earlier in the evening after developing symptoms while under quarantine.
The woman was a direct contact and close family member of Kenya's first Ebola patient, who also died from the disease. She developed symptoms on October 13 and was admitted to an infectious disease unit the same day, where she received supportive care from medical teams.
The Ministry said healthcare workers had done everything possible to save her life, but she eventually succumbed to the virus.
The woman's family has been formally informed of her death, with the government extending condolences to her relatives, friends and the wider community.
The Ministry said it was working with the family to facilitate a safe and dignified burial in line with established public health protocols to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Trained teams will conduct the burial while respecting the family's wishes and beliefs, as authorities seek to protect mourners and the wider community from possible infection.
The latest death brings the number of fatalities to two among the nine confirmed Ebola cases reported in the country.
According to the Ministry, the remaining seven patients are receiving care in two isolation facilities.
Authorities have maintained that all confirmed cases remain within one cluster of known contacts, with no evidence of community transmission reported so far.
The Ministry has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and continue observing public health measures as health officials intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.
Members of the public have been advised to avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone who is sick, as well as refrain from touching or handling the body of a person who has died following a suspected illness.
Kenyans have also been urged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms associated with Ebola.
These include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms has been advised to call the Ministry of Health's toll-free hotline 719 or use its WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719 for assistance.
The Ministry warned that Ebola is a serious disease that can be fatal and that a patient's condition can deteriorate suddenly, underscoring the importance of early reporting and medical intervention.
The latest fatality comes as health authorities continue monitoring known contacts and providing care to confirmed patients in a bid to prevent further infections.
The government has appealed to the public to cooperate with health officials, support affected families and avoid actions that could expose others to infection.
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth reiterated the need for compassion and respect for the affected family as the country continues its response to the outbreak.
