Kenya confirms third case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus

Kenya's  Ministry of Health on Friday confirmed a third case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease). 

In a press release, the Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth stated that the patient is a 65-year-old woman and is a primary contact and a close relative of the first and second cases. 

She has been in quarantine since October 6, 2026, and once she developed fever, sore throat and malaise, she was isolated and specimen collected for testing. 

“She tested positive for Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI laboratory,” Dr Amoth said.

The Director General for Health added that the patient has since been transferred to the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU) where she is receiving supportive care from trained health workers.

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. 

“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,” Dr Amoth said.

He also gave an update of the second patient, a case that was confirmed on Wednesday this week.

According to the Health Ministry, the second patient is in stable condition and is responding well to supportive care. 

The Aden Duale-led Ministry reassured the general public that the risk remains low as there is no evidence of community transmission of the disease. 

Out of the 130 contacts listed so far, 127 of them, representing 97.7 per cent have been traced and are in quarantine. The percentage is way above the global benchmark of 85 per cent required to break the chain of transmission. 

“Efforts are ongoing to trace and quarantine the three (3) remaining contacts,” Dr Amoth stated.

In its concerted efforts, the government has distributed personal protective equipment (PPEs), infection prevention control (IPC) commodities and public health screening equipment to all the 28 high risk counties and points of entry. 

The additional supplies strengthen infection prevention and control measures while ensuring every health worker is fully protected. 

There are at least 10 high risk countries and travellers from such are expected to fill the digital surveillance form before boarding the aircraft from the point of departure and show the QR code to the port health officers upon arrival. 

“All aircraft arriving from these countries are being subjected to enhanced public health screening at Kenya International Airports,” the Director General stated.

By Thursday, the Ministry had screened 685,027 since the outbreak began in May 2026.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for vigilance and urged everyone to to take frontrow in the fight against the Ebola Virus disease.

WHO warned that if left to the government and partners alone, without everyone playing their active role, the cases will rise and overburden the entire nation.

WHO is assisting in medical supplies, capacity building and training of medical staff.

It stated that at this point, there is no reason for Kenya to close her borders with neighbouring countries.

Kenya's Ministry of Health reiterated that the country remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.

It urged people to stay vigilant, explaining that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a sick or deceased person, not through the air. 

“If you or anyone you know has fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, report it at once at the nearest health facility,” Dr Amoth urged.