Kenya has confirmed its ninth case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease. The latest patient is a 24-year-old man who was already in quarantine as a known contact of the country's first patient, who died earlier this month.

In a statement on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, the Ministry of Health said the man tested positive on 19 October. He had been isolated at the first sign of illness, was tested immediately and started treatment as soon as the result came back positive.

"The new case is a known contact of the index case and was already in quarantine when he fell ill," Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth said.

One cluster, no community spread

Dr Amoth said all nine confirmed infections belong to one known cluster linked to the index case, a Kenyan who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo and flew into Nairobi on 3 October. "There is no evidence of transmission outside this group," he said.

Contact tracing has made steady progress. Of the 135 contacts identified so far, 134 have been traced and placed in quarantine. The ministry warned that the contact list may grow as new cases are confirmed. Dr Amoth credited "the dedication of our national and county contact-tracing teams" for the progress.

Authorities say surviving patients are stable and improving.

First quarantine group heads home on 25 October

The first group of contacts, quarantined on 6 October, is expected to start returning home from 25 October once they complete the 21-day monitoring period without symptoms. The ministry asked communities to welcome them back, saying people who finish quarantine pose no risk of infection.

"We thank them and their families for their patience, their patriotism and their contribution," Dr Amoth said.

New measures

The ministry listed several steps taken to strengthen the response:

- It has received 500 doses of medicines to treat confirmed patients.
- Emergency supplies, including gowns, gloves, face shields, boots, sample-collection kits, diagnostic kits and thermometers, have gone to 12 very high-risk and 16 high-risk counties.
- A dedicated laboratory has been set up at the Kenyatta National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to run routine tests for Ebola patients without burdening the main hospital lab.
- Infection prevention and control is being monitored at all quarantine and treatment centres.

The ministry said there has been no spread of infection within quarantine facilities and that health workers are adequately protected.

Kenya "remains open"

Despite growing international concern, the government maintains there is no need for internal restrictions. "Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings," Dr Amoth said.

Members of the public are urged to report symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding at the nearest health facility, or by calling the toll-free line 719.

Photos: Kenyans.co.ke; TV47 Digital