Kenya has confirmed a ninth case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease), with the Ministry of Health assuring the public that all infections remain linked to one known cluster and that no transmission outside the group has been detected.
In a press statement, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the latest patient is a close family member of the index case and was isolated as soon as he developed symptoms.
The patient tested positive on October 19 and was immediately placed on treatment, according to the Ministry.
“All nine cases belong to one cluster, and as today there is no evidence of transmission outside this group,” the Ministry stated, maintaining that the outbreak remains confined to the known cluster.
The latest confirmation comes as health authorities intensify contact tracing, quarantine measures and hospital preparedness to prevent further spread of the virus.
8 Ebola patients responding well to treatment
Despite the confirmation of another case, the Ministry said the eight surviving patients are showing significant improvement and remain stable under medical supervision.
“All the patients have improved markedly and are currently stable under strict observation and treatment,” the Ministry said.
Kenya has also received 500 doses of medicines to support the treatment of confirmed patients, although officials did not specify the medicines supplied.
The government expressed optimism about the recovery of patients, crediting clinical teams and development partners for supporting the national response.
The Ministry said patients continue to receive appropriate supportive care as medical teams closely monitor their progress.
Kenya traces 134 Ebola contacts
The government has traced and quarantined 134 out of 135 identified contacts, representing 99.3 per cent coverage.
According to the Ministry, the contact list continues to expand as health officials identify people who may have been exposed to newly confirmed patients.
The tracing performance is above the global benchmark of 85 per cent cited by the Ministry.
“This progress reflects the dedication of our national and county contact-tracing teams, closer cooperation with families and communities, and the support and solidarity of our development partners,” the statement said.
Health officials have urged Kenyans to continue cooperating with surveillance teams to ensure that all contacts are identified and monitored.
First quarantined contacts set to return home
The Ministry has announced that contacts who entered quarantine on October 6 and remain symptom-free will begin returning home from October 25, after completing their 21-day monitoring period.
The development marks an important milestone in the response, with authorities appealing to communities to welcome those completing quarantine without discrimination.
“When they return, we appeal to communities to welcome them home with love and open arms: having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone,” the Ministry said.
Government distributes Ebola response supplies
To strengthen preparedness, the Ministry has distributed emergency supplies to 12 very high-risk counties and 16 high-risk counties.
The supplies include protective gowns, gloves, face shields, boots, diagnostic kits, thermometers and sample collection and transportation equipment.
A dedicated laboratory has also been established at the Kenyatta National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to handle routine testing for patients receiving Ebola care.
The Ministry said the arrangement would help prevent Ebola-positive samples from contaminating or overwhelming the hospital’s main laboratory, allowing other patients to continue accessing laboratory services.
Authorities further reported that there has been no spread of infection within quarantine facilities and said healthcare workers caring for patients are protected.
No travel restrictions as ministry issues Ebola warning
Despite the latest confirmed case, Kenya has not imposed restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
The Ministry is urging anyone experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek medical attention promptly.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should report to the nearest health facility or call the Ministry’s toll-free line 719.
Amoth said the country remained focused on ending the outbreak through surveillance, treatment and public cooperation.
“Together, we are on course to bring this outbreak to a complete end,” he said.
The Ministry maintains that all nine confirmed cases belong to one known cluster, with no evidence of transmission beyond the group as of October 20, 2026.
