NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease), with health authorities saying the patient was already in quarantine when he developed symptoms, allowing for early detection and isolation.

In a press release dated October 14, 2026, Kenya’s Ministry of Health said the patient is a 39-year-old man and a close family member of the first confirmed case. He developed fever, fatigue and joint pains on October 13 while under daily monitoring.

The patient was immediately isolated and tested, with samples returning positive results at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute’s Centres for Disease Control laboratory.

He has since been transferred to a designated treatment centre, where medical teams are providing supportive care.

Kenya has now recorded two confirmed cases and one death, according to the Ministry of Health.

Contact tracing underway

Health authorities said the two cases are linked and that there is currently no evidence of wider community transmission.

The ministry has identified 128 contacts associated with the first case. As of October 13, 113 had been traced, including 108 who are in quarantine in Kenya and undergoing daily clinical assessments and temperature checks for 21 days from their last possible exposure.

The remaining five contacts are outside Kenya, and authorities in the respective countries have been notified in line with international health regulations.

Contact tracing is continuing for the remaining 15 people, while teams are also identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the second patient, including quarantine staff and healthcare workers.

The ministry said anyone among the contacts who develops symptoms will be isolated and tested immediately.

No travel restrictions imposed

Despite the confirmation of a second case, Kenya said it remains open, with no restrictions imposed on travel, trade or public gatherings.

The government said its response is being coordinated through a single national command structure under 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 accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).

The ministry said infection prevention and control measures had been strengthened at quarantine and treatment facilities, with healthcare workers provided with the necessary protective equipment.

Public urged to remain vigilant

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, emphasising that Ebola does not spread through the air but through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected or deceased person.

People 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 urged the public to respect the privacy of affected families and rely on official government updates for information.

Members of the public seeking further information have been directed to call Kenya’s toll-free health information line, 719.

The latest case underscores the importance of quarantine, early detection and rapid contact tracing in containing Ebola outbreaks and preventing further transmission.