Kenya Records Eighth Ebola Case as Infections Rise

Kenya has confirmed its eighth Ebola case after one of 38 samples tested on Sunday returned a positive result, raising fresh concerns about the spread of the virus.

Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth told Citizen TV that the latest patient is a 49-year-old man who is not a healthcare worker.

Amoth said the man developed a fever, headache and muscle pain before being isolated and tested for the virus.

The patient worked as an attendant responsible for cleaning utensils and linens. Health officials suspect he was exposed through contact linked to Kenya’s first Ebola patient, who died at a Nairobi hospital on October 5 after travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to a Ministry of Health source, the 49-year-old developed symptoms on Saturday and was subsequently quarantined.

The latest case comes a day after the ministry announced four additional infections, taking the national tally to seven before Sunday’s confirmation.

Three of the four patients were healthcare workers who had treated the first confirmed case, while the fourth was a relative of the deceased patient.

The infections have raised concerns about transmission among people who came into contact with the initial patient, prompting continued surveillance and efforts to identify and monitor exposed individuals.

Kenya is on heightened alert as the outbreak spreads across parts of the region. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

The DRC remains the epicentre of the outbreak, which began in May 2026 and has resulted in thousands of reported infections and deaths. Ituri province in the country’s east accounts for a significant proportion of confirmed cases, according to government data cited in reports.

Congolese authorities have also reported the virus in North Ubangi province, raising concerns about further geographical spread.

In North Kivu, officials announced a one-week restriction on movement into the province from Ituri, starting Monday, as part of efforts to contain transmission. Other measures include limiting passenger numbers in vehicles and on motorbikes and suspending large public gatherings.

Neighbouring Uganda previously reported 20 confirmed cases, including 15 imported from the DRC, and two deaths before declaring itself Ebola-free in August.

Kenyan health authorities continue to face the challenge of identifying infections early and preventing further transmission through contact tracing, isolation and infection prevention measures.