A suspected Ebola case reported in Kinangop Sub-County, Nyandarua County, has tested negative for Bundibugyo virus disease, easing concerns following an alert triggered by the patient’s recent travel history to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a press release issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Nyandarua County Government confirmed that laboratory tests conducted at the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) in Nairobi had ruled out Ebola disease.
The patient, an adult male who had recently returned from the DRC, where an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease is ongoing, had been isolated as a precaution after presenting symptoms that raised suspicion of the disease.
According to the county government, the patient is now receiving treatment for other illnesses and his condition is stable and improving.
“Confirmatory testing in line with national guidelines has ruled out Ebola disease,” the statement read
Following the initial alert on October 23, the county government activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and deployed a Rapid Response Team in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Infection prevention and control measures were strengthened at the health facility, while everyone who had come into contact with the patient was identified and monitored.
However, the county government said the precautionary measures had been stood down following the negative test results, with all contacts released from follow-up.
The county also commended health workers for identifying the warning signs early and responding promptly.
“This shows that our disease surveillance system is working as it should,” the statement added.
Despite the negative results, the county government warned that the risk of imported cases remains due to the ongoing outbreak in the DRC and confirmed Ebola cases in Nairobi.
Nyandarua County said it would continue strengthening surveillance and screening at public and private health facilities, training health workers in early detection and infection prevention, and keeping isolation and quarantine facilities ready.
The county will also work with Community Health Promoters to provide accurate information to residents across all wards.
Residents who develop symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding within 21 days of returning from an Ebola-affected area have been advised to seek medical attention immediately and disclose their travel history.
The public has also been urged to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with the blood and body fluids of seriously ill people, and report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or Community Health Promoter.
Members of the public can report suspected cases through the county’s Ebola hotline, 0115071711.
“There is no cause for alarm. We will continue to keep the public informed,” the county government said, while urging the media and residents to respect the privacy of the patient and his family and rely on official updates.
