Kenya has confirmed four new cases of Ebola, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to seven, including the index patient who died, the Ministry of Health has announced.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the four patients had developed fever as their first symptom before being isolated and tested for the disease.
Laboratory tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) confirmed that all four had contracted Ebola, also known as Bundibugyo virus disease.
The patients are receiving supportive treatment from trained health workers at a designated treatment facility, with the Ministry saying their condition is being closely monitored.
Three health workers among new cases
Among the newly confirmed cases is a close male relative of the deceased patient who has been in quarantine since October 6.
The other three cases involve health workers who attended to the index patient while he was hospitalised between October 3 and 4. The three workers, two men and a woman aged 29, 35 and 32, respectively, have been in quarantine since October 9.
The Ministry said early detection and isolation of the four patients had helped minimise the risk of further transmission to their families and the wider community.
Despite the additional infections, the government maintained that the risk to the general public remains low, citing the absence of evidence of community transmission.
Ministry traces 128 of 130 contacts
Dr Amoth said health authorities had identified 130 contacts linked to the outbreak, of whom 128, representing 98.5 per cent, had been traced and placed under quarantine.
The figure is above the global contact-tracing benchmark of 85 per cent cited by the Ministry as necessary to help interrupt disease transmission. Health teams are continuing efforts to trace the two remaining contacts.
The Ministry warned, however, that additional cases could emerge among people already in quarantine before the end of the 21-day monitoring period.
Health officials are also monitoring four family members of the deceased patient and all health workers who cared for him during his hospital stay. Those in quarantine are receiving mental and psychosocial support.
The government said the country remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
Public urged to remain vigilant
Kenyans have been urged to remain calm while observing precautions and reporting suspected symptoms promptly.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected or deceased person and not through the air, according to the Ministry.
Symptoms to watch for include fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms has been advised to seek immediate attention at the nearest health facility.
The Ministry urged the public to seek accurate information through its official communication channels or call the toll-free line 719 for guidance.
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