Kenya has confirmed four new Ebola cases, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to seven, including the first patient who died, the Ministry of Health has announced.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the Ministry said the latest cases involve a close male relative of the deceased patient and three health workers who attended to him during his hospitalisation.
According to the Ministry, the male relative had been in quarantine since October 6, while the three health workers — two men and one woman aged 29, 35 and 32 — had been in quarantine since October 9.
All four patients reportedly developed fever before testing positive for the virus.
The infections were confirmed through tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) laboratory.
The Ministry, in a statement signed by Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, said the patients are currently receiving supportive care at designated treatment facilities.
The latest development raises concerns over the spread of the virus, particularly among close contacts of the initial patient and healthcare workers who handled the case.
More to follow as the Ministry of Health provides further updates.
