Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital has confirmed that a female patient admitted with symptoms that raised suspicion of Ebola virus disease did not have the infection, easing concerns following her admission on Tuesday morning.
In a statement dated October 13, 2026, the hospital’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sammy Kilonzo, said laboratory tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory ruled out Ebola.
The patient was brought to the hospital’s Emergency Department at around 5am on Tuesday with a three-week history of general body weakness, fever and an intermittent dry cough.
According to the hospital, she had not travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda and reported no contact with anyone experiencing similar symptoms.
However, she developed shortness of breath and bleeding from body openings and puncture sites within the 24 hours before admission, prompting medical staff to assess her condition and consider Ebola among the possible causes.
The hospital said the patient was promptly assessed and treatment initiated for her presenting symptoms while medical teams took precautionary measures in case she had the viral disease.
Samples were collected and sent to the National Virology Reference Laboratory for testing. The results subsequently confirmed that she was not infected with Ebola virus disease.
In the internal memo addressed to all hospital staff, Kilonzo said the facility had followed infection prevention and control protocols and national guidelines for handling suspected Ebola cases.
He added that the precautions were intended to ensure the patient received the necessary medical attention while protecting healthcare workers during assessment and treatment.
The hospital management commended healthcare workers, support staff, the Laikipia County Department of Health and other stakeholders for their vigilance and cooperation in responding to the suspected case.
Kilonzo reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to maintaining patient care standards, infection prevention measures and public health precautions.
He also urged staff to remain alert and rely on official communication from hospital management and relevant health authorities.
The hospital did not disclose the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms or provide further details about her condition following the laboratory results.
