Kenya records eighth Ebola case as outbreak spreads in DR Congo

Kenya has confirmed its eighth Ebola case after a 49-year-old man tested positive for the virus, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease as a major outbreak continues in neighbouring countries.

Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth announced the latest infection on Sunday, 18 October, after health authorities tested 38 people and identified one positive case.

The patient, who worked as a hospital attendant responsible for cleaning utensils and linen, developed fever, headaches and muscle pain before testing positive.

Amoth said the man was not a clinical healthcare worker but was believed to have been exposed to the country's first Ebola patient, who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Nairobi earlier this month.

The latest patient was already under quarantine when his infection was detected, according to information provided by the Ministry of Health and reported by Reuters.

First imported case linked to subsequent infections

Kenya confirmed its first case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease on 6 October after laboratory testing identified the infection in a Kenyan citizen who had been living in the DRC.

According to the Ministry of Health, the man had received treatment at several hospitals in the DRC before travelling by road to Kampala, Uganda, and then flying to Nairobi on 3 October.

He was admitted to Nairobi Hospital, where he received supportive treatment but subsequently died.

The ministry reported four additional infections on 17 October, including three healthcare workers who had attended to the first patient and one of his relatives.

These cases brought the national total to seven before the latest infection increased it to eight.

Kenyan authorities have identified approximately 130 people who had contact with the first patient. Of these, 128 had been traced and placed under quarantine as of the latest reported update.

Health officials have said the remaining patients are receiving medical care and are in stable condition.

Ebola outbreak reaches eighth province in DR Congo

The developments in Kenya come as the DRC faces its deadliest recorded Ebola outbreak, which began in May 2026 and has spread across several parts of the country.

According to figures reported by Reuters, the DRC had recorded 9,415 infections and 4,536 deaths by 16 October.

The country's National Institute for Biomedical Research confirmed on Sunday that the virus had reached North Ubangi province, where two infections, including one death, were identified.

North Ubangi borders the Central African Republic, raising additional concerns about the potential for cross-border transmission.

Ituri province in eastern DRC remains the outbreak's main centre, accounting for a substantial proportion of confirmed infections.

The outbreak has also affected North Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, South Kivu, Bas-Uele and South Ubangi.

Health authorities face significant difficulties containing the disease, including population displacement, insecurity, limited healthcare infrastructure and challenges accessing affected communities.

Regional authorities strengthen disease surveillance

The growing number of infections has prompted countries in East and Central Africa to intensify Ebola preparedness and surveillance.

Kenya has strengthened screening at airports and land border crossings, expanded contact tracing and designated healthcare facilities for isolating suspected and confirmed cases.

The Ministry of Health previously reported that more than 652,000 travellers had been screened since the outbreak began in May, while approximately 5,000 healthcare workers had received training in Ebola prevention and management.

Travellers arriving from countries considered at elevated risk, including the DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, have been subject to enhanced health surveillance procedures.

Kenya has also established isolation arrangements at designated healthcare facilities and border locations to help detect infections early and reduce the risk of further transmission.

In the DRC, authorities in North Kivu announced additional restrictions aimed at reducing movement from neighbouring Ituri province, where transmission remains widespread.

The measures include a temporary ban on entry from Ituri, restrictions on passenger numbers in vehicles and motorcycles, and the suspension of large public gatherings.

Uganda, which previously recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths linked to the regional outbreak, declared itself Ebola-free in August.

Understanding the Bundibugyo Ebola virus

The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species of Ebola virus, one of the viruses capable of causing Ebola virus disease in humans.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or through contaminated objects and surfaces.

The disease can cause fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, patients may develop bleeding complications and organ failure.

Unlike Ebola outbreaks caused by the Zaire species of the virus, there is currently no approved vaccine or virus-specific treatment for Bundibugyo Ebola.

Medical management therefore relies on supportive care, including fluid replacement, treatment of complications and careful monitoring of patients.

Early detection, isolation, contact tracing and appropriate infection prevention procedures remain essential to limiting transmission.

Kenya's Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant without panicking and to seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms after possible exposure.

The ministry has also encouraged residents to follow official health advisories and use its toll-free health information line, 719, for guidance.