Kenya’s Ministry of Health has reported continued progress in containing the country’s Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease) outbreak, with no new cases confirmed and all identified contacts successfully traced as of October 22, 2026. Authorities emphasize that there is no evidence of community transmission and that travel, trade and public gatherings remain unrestricted.
The latest update, issued by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, marks 17 days since Kenya confirmed its first imported case on October 6. The total number of confirmed cases remains at nine, including the initial patient, who died on October 5. All nine cases are linked to a single cluster, with no indication that the virus has spread into the wider community.
All eight patients currently receiving treatment are stable and progressing well. These include four family members and four healthcare workers who cared for the initial patient. All remain in designated isolation facilities, where they are responding positively to treatment under the care of infectious disease specialists. Health authorities anticipate their full recovery and eventual discharge.
Contact Tracing and Containment
The Ministry of Health confirmed that all 135 contacts associated with the initial case have been successfully traced, achieving 100% contact tracing coverage. This includes contacts identified both within Kenya and internationally, with relevant foreign health authorities notified in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).
Epidemiological investigations have established that all eight subsequent patients had close contact with the initial case between October 3 and 5, before entering quarantine. Each developed symptoms within Ebola’s known incubation period of 2–21 days, supporting the conclusion that infections originated from the initial case rather than from wider community transmission.
Importantly, no infections have been traced to transmission within quarantine facilities, where enhanced infection prevention and control measures remain in place.
All identified contacts are subject to 21 days of monitoring from their last known exposure, with monitoring periods adjusted if subsequent exposure occurs.
Beginning Sunday, October 25, the first contacts who have completed their 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms are expected to be released from quarantine and reunited with their families.
Nationwide Surveillance and Testing
Enhanced surveillance remains active at health facilities, border entry points and within communities across all Kenyan counties.
According to the Ministry of Health:
- 709,093 travelers have been screened at points of entry, including 3,107 during the preceding 24 hours.
- 461 samples have been tested since May 2026, according to the Ministry’s cumulative figures.
- 14 samples collected from alerts across different parts of the country during the latest 24-hour reporting period all tested negative for Bundibugyo virus disease.
- 135 identified contacts have been traced, representing 100% of known contacts associated with the initial case.
- Eight patients remain under treatment, all in stable condition and recovering.
Travel and Tourism Continue Without Restrictions
The Ministry of Health has explicitly confirmed that life in Kenya continues as normal, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
Health authorities continue to encourage cooperation with surveillance teams and adherence to public health guidance as the country works toward containing the outbreak.
Members of the public experiencing symptoms including fever, unusual fatigue, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained bleeding are advised to seek immediate medical attention. Kenya’s Ministry of Health has provided a toll-free hotline at 719 and a WhatsApp service at 0700 719 719 for assistance.
While the outbreak has not yet been declared over, the Ministry expressed confidence in the progress achieved, highlighting the successful tracing of every identified contact, the absence of new confirmed cases, and the positive recovery of all eight surviving patients.
Source: Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Health, Office of the Director General for Health, Press Release, October 22, 2026.
