Kenya Confirms Second Ebola Case as Contact Tracing Intensifies

NAIROBI, Kenya — October 15, 2026

Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola after a close relative of the country’s first patient tested positive while in quarantine, prompting health authorities to strengthen surveillance and containment measures.

The Kenyan Ministry of Health announced the new infection on Wednesday, October 14, identifying the patient as a 39-year-old man who had been under medical monitoring following his contact with the first case. He developed symptoms, including fever, fatigue and joint pain, on October 13 and was subsequently isolated for testing.

The confirmation comes after a 40-year-old Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) died in Nairobi on October 5, shortly after testing positive for the virus. He had travelled through Uganda before arriving in Kenya.

Contact tracing and quarantine efforts

Health authorities identified 128 people who may have been exposed to the first patient. Of these, 108 were reported to be in quarantine in Kenya, while efforts continued to trace other contacts and monitor individuals who may have been exposed.

Officials said the second infection was detected while the patient was already under quarantine, allowing medical teams to isolate him after symptoms emerged.

The Ministry of Health has stressed that there is currently no evidence of wider community transmission linked to the two confirmed cases. However, surveillance and contact-tracing operations remain critical to preventing further infections.

Border screening strengthened

Kenya has stepped up health screening at airports and border crossings as part of efforts to identify possible infections early. The country’s location and travel connections with neighbouring states have also increased the importance of coordination among regional health authorities.

The first patient had travelled from DR Congo, where a major Ebola outbreak is ongoing, through Uganda before reaching Kenya. The case has highlighted the challenges health officials face in detecting infections among people travelling across national borders.

Public urged to remain vigilant

Authorities are urging the public to remain calm, follow official health guidance and promptly report suspected symptoms or potential exposure to health professionals.

Ebola is a serious viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated materials. Early identification, isolation, appropriate medical care and effective contact tracing are important measures in controlling outbreaks.

Kenya’s response will now focus on monitoring exposed individuals, containing the confirmed infections and preventing further transmission as health officials continue to assess the situation.