Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola virus disease, with the Ministry of Health saying contact tracing, quarantine and monitoring measures are helping contain the outbreak.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said the second patient is a 39-year-old man who is a close family member of the first confirmed case. He was already in quarantine and under daily monitoring when he developed symptoms on October 13.
The patient presented with fever, fatigue and joint pains before being isolated and tested. Samples tested positive at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute–Centres for Disease Control (KEMRI-CDC) laboratory.
He has since been transferred to a designated treatment centre, where trained medical teams are providing supportive care.
Kenya has now recorded two confirmed Ebola cases and one death, according to the Ministry.
Contact Tracing Intensified
The Ministry said the second case was detected early because the patient was already under quarantine, allowing health officials to isolate him promptly after the onset of symptoms.
Authorities said the two confirmed cases are linked, with no evidence of transmission in the wider community.
As of October 13, health officials had identified 128 contacts associated with the first case and traced 113 of them. Of those traced, 108 are in quarantine in Kenya and undergoing daily clinical assessments and temperature checks for 21 days following their last possible exposure.
The remaining five contacts are outside the country, and the relevant health authorities have been notified in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).
Contact tracing is also underway for people who may have interacted with the second patient since he developed symptoms, including quarantine personnel and healthcare workers.
The Ministry said anyone among the identified contacts who develops symptoms will be isolated and tested immediately.
Government Strengthens Response
The government has reinforced infection prevention and control measures at quarantine and treatment facilities, while healthcare workers have been provided with the necessary protective equipment.
The response is being coordinated under a single national command structure and guided by the Public Health (Declaration of Formidable Epidemic Disease) Order, 2026, and the Public Health (Ebola Disease) Rules, 2026.
The World Health Organization has also been notified in line with international health regulations.
Despite the confirmed cases, the Ministry said Kenya remains open, with no restrictions imposed on travel, trade or public gatherings.
The Ministry has urged Kenyans to remain calm but vigilant, emphasising that Ebola does not spread through the air but through direct contact with the blood or other bodily 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 advised to seek medical attention promptly at the nearest health facility.
The Ministry also appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the affected family and rely on official government communication for accurate information about the outbreak.
Mustaqbal
