NAIROBI — Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, identifying the patient as a 39-year-old man who was already in quarantine as a close family contact of the country’s first confirmed case. In a statement signed by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the ministry said daily monitoring enabled health workers to detect the infection promptly after symptoms appeared on October 13.
The announcement brings Kenya’s reported total to two confirmed cases and one death. According to the ministry, the infections are linked, with no evidence of transmission in the wider community.
Monitoring Enables Early Detection
The patient developed fever, fatigue and joint pain while under observation. The quarantine team immediately isolated him and collected a specimen, which tested positive at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI–CDC laboratory.
He was subsequently transferred to a designated treatment centre for supportive care. The ministry said detecting the illness early allowed treatment to begin promptly and reduced opportunities for further transmission.
“This is the response working as designed,” the ministry stated, adding that updates on the patient’s progress would follow.
Contact Tracing Continues
Authorities identified 128 contacts associated with the first case and had traced 113 by October 13. Of those located, 108 were in quarantine in Kenya, receiving daily clinical assessments and temperature checks during the 21-day observation period.
Five traced contacts were outside Kenya. The ministry said health authorities in those countries had been notified under the International Health Regulations. Efforts to locate the remaining 15 contacts were continuing.
Response teams were also assessing people who had contact with the second patient after his symptoms began, including healthcare workers and quarantine personnel.
“Both cases are linked, and there is no evidence of spread in the wider community,” the ministry said.
Health Facilities Reinforce Precautions
The ministry said contacts who developed symptoms would be isolated and tested immediately. Infection prevention measures had been strengthened at quarantine and treatment facilities, and health workers had received protective equipment.
According to the statement, a single national command structure is coordinating the response, and the World Health Organization has been notified. Kenya remained open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings at the time of the announcement.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
“Stay calm but remain vigilant,” the ministry urged.
The statement explained that Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of a person who is ill with, or has died from, the disease.
People experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding were advised to seek medical attention promptly. The ministry also asked the public to respect the affected family’s privacy, follow official health updates and call the toll-free information line, 719, for guidance.
