By Michael Gwarisa,
Africa:- Kenya has confirmed a third case of Ebola, involving a 65-year-old woman who was already in quarantine after being identified as a close contact of the country’s first and second cases.
The Ministry of Health said the woman had been in quarantine since 6 October 2026 and was isolated after developing fever, sore throat and malaise.
Samples collected from her tested positive for Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease) at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) laboratory.
She has since been transferred to the Infectious Disease Unit, where she is receiving supportive care from trained health workers. Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, CBS, said the case demonstrated the importance of early identification and quarantine in containing the outbreak.
“Having been in quarantine, she was diagnosed early and is currently receiving supportive care, improving her chances of recovery while limiting risk of further spread of the disease,” Dr Amoth said.
The woman is a primary contact and close relative of the first and second cases. Dr Amoth said quarantine had helped protect her family and the wider public from potential exposure.
“Being quarantined means the rest of her family and the general public is protected from exposure to the virus hence reducing chances of community transmission,” he said.
Kenya is continuing to monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus. Of the 130 contacts identified so far, 127, or 97.7 percent, have been traced and placed under quarantine, according to the Ministry. The Ministry said this was above the global benchmark of 85 percent required to break the chain of transmission. Efforts are continuing to trace and quarantine the remaining three contacts.
“Cases among quarantined contacts are possible until their monitoring ends; if they occur, they will be detected and treated just as quickly,” Dr Amoth said.
The second patient remains in stable condition and is responding well to supportive care, the Ministry said. Despite the confirmation of a third case, the Kenyan government said there were no restrictions on movement or economic activity.
“The Ministry wishes to reiterate that the country remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings,” Dr Amoth said.
The Ministry has, however, strengthened infection prevention and control measures in response to the outbreak. Personal protective equipment, infection prevention and control commodities and public health screening equipment have been distributed to all 28 high-risk counties and points of entry. The Ministry said the supplies would strengthen infection prevention and control measures at quarantine centres, health facilities and points of entry while ensuring health workers are adequately protected.
Travellers from 10 high-risk countries are required to complete a digital surveillance form before boarding their aircraft and present the QR code to port health officers upon arrival. All aircraft arriving from the designated high-risk countries are also undergoing enhanced public health screening at Kenya’s international airports. As of 15 October 2026, the Ministry said it had screened 685,027 travellers since the outbreak began in May.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Dr Amoth urged members of the public to remain vigilant, while stressing that Ebola does not spread through the air.
“Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick or deceased person, not through the air,” he said.
People experiencing symptoms including fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been urged to report immediately to the nearest health facility. The Ministry said members of the public can call its toll-free line, 719, for information and guidance, or access updates through its official website and social media platforms.
“Early reporting saves lives,” Dr Amoth said.
The Ministry has maintained that the risk of wider transmission remains low, saying there is currently no evidence of community transmission. The government will continue providing updates on the progress of all reported cases.
