The Ministry of Health says the second patient is a close family member of the first case, with authorities reporting no evidence of wider community transmission.
Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease), with health authorities intensifying contact tracing, quarantine and monitoring measures to contain the infection.
In a press release dated Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Ministry of Health said the patient is a 39-year-old man and a close family member of the first confirmed case. He was already in quarantine when he developed symptoms on October 13.
“Kenya has now recorded two confirmed cases and one death,” the Ministry stated.
The patient developed fever, fatigue and joint pains before being isolated and having samples collected for testing. The results tested positive at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI-CDC laboratory.
He has since been transferred to a designated treatment centre, where medical teams are providing supportive care.
The Ministry said early detection and isolation had helped limit the risk of further transmission, adding that it would continue providing updates on the patient’s progress.
Health authorities said contact tracing for the first case had identified 128 contacts, with 113 traced as of October 13.
Of those traced, 108 are in quarantine in Kenya and are undergoing daily clinical assessments and temperature checks for 21 days from their last possible exposure.
The remaining five contacts are outside Kenya, and health authorities in the respective countries have been notified in line with international health requirements.
The Ministry said tracing of the remaining 15 contacts linked to the first case was ongoing. Teams are also assessing individuals who may have interacted with the second patient since his symptoms began, including quarantine staff and healthcare workers.
“Both cases are linked, and there is no evidence of spread in the wider community,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry has directed that any contact who develops symptoms should be isolated and tested immediately.
It added that infection prevention and control measures had been reinforced at quarantine facilities and treatment centres, with healthcare workers provided with the necessary protective equipment.
Health workers have also been urged to maintain strict infection prevention and control measures while attending to patients.
The government said its response is being coordinated through a single national command under the Public Health (Declaration of Formidable Epidemic Disease) Order, 2026, and the Public Health (Ebola Disease) Rules, 2026.
The World Health Organization has been notified in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).
Despite the confirmation of the second case, the Ministry said Kenya remains open, with no restrictions imposed on travel, trade or public gatherings.
The Ministry has appealed to Kenyans to remain calm while observing recommended health precautions.
“Stay calm but remain vigilant,” the Ministry advised, explaining that Ebola is not spread through the air but through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected or deceased person.
Members of the public experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been urged to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest health facility.
The Ministry also cautioned the public against violating the privacy of the affected family and urged Kenyans to rely on official government updates.
For further information, the public can call the toll-free Ministry of Health hotline 719.
