Kenya has confirmed its second Ebola infection after a 39-year-old close relative of the country’s first patient tested positive while in quarantine, the Health Ministry said Wednesday, October 14.
The patient developed symptoms on Tuesday. Health officials said early detection improved his chances of recovery and reduced the risk of further transmission.
The ministry confirmed that both cases were linked, with no evidence of community spread, and urged the public to remain calm but vigilant.
Contact Tracing and Safety Measures
The first patient, a 40-year-old Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), died on October 5, the same day he tested positive.
He had fallen ill on September 15 and travelled through three Ebola-affected provinces in Congo before reaching Uganda on October 1 and subsequently flying to Kenya. His illness was not detected during his journey, despite visits to medical facilities in Congo.
Authorities identified 128 contacts linked to the first case. Of these, 108 were quarantined in Kenya, five were outside the country, and tracing efforts continued for the remaining contacts. Officials have notified authorities in other countries.
Kenya has strengthened screening at airports and border crossings and urged anyone experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek medical care promptly.
The current outbreak in DR Congo, which began in May, involves the relatively rare Bundibugyo species. More than 4,000 people have reportedly died this year.
There is no approved vaccine or treatment, although trials are underway. Uganda reported two deaths before the World Health Organization declared it Ebola-free in August.
Kenya said it remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
