Kenya Confirms Eighth Ebola Case as Outbreak Spreads
The confirmation follows the announcement of four additional cases on Saturday, bringing the national tally to seven at the time.
Kenya confirms an eighth Ebola case after one person tested positive for the virus among 38 samples examined on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Photo: Aljazeera.
By Robert Mutasi
Kenya has confirmed an eighth Ebola case after one person tested positive for the virus among 38 samples examined on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth told Citizen TV that the latest patient is a 49-year-old man who is not a healthcare worker.
“He developed fever, headache and muscle pain,” Amoth said, adding that the man worked as a patient attendant responsible for cleaning utensils and linens.
Health officials suspect he contracted the virus through contact linked to Kenya’s first Ebola patient, who died at a Nairobi hospital on October 5 after travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The latest patient developed symptoms on Saturday and was isolated before being tested for the virus, according to a source at the Ministry of Health.
The confirmation follows the announcement of four additional cases on Saturday, bringing the national tally to seven at the time. Three of those patients were healthcare workers who had treated the first confirmed case, while the fourth was a relative of the deceased patient.
The latest infections have raised concerns about further transmission within healthcare facilities and among people who had contact with the initial patient.
Kenya has intensified surveillance and preventive measures as the outbreak continues to affect parts of Central and East Africa. Authorities are working to identify contacts and limit further spread of the virus.
The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Patients require supportive care to manage symptoms and complications.
The DRC remains the centre of the outbreak, with thousands of cases and deaths reported since it began in May 2026. The eastern province of Ituri accounts for a substantial share of confirmed infections, according to the latest government data cited in reports.
Congolese authorities have also reported the spread of the virus to North Ubangi province, raising concerns about further transmission across the country.
In North Kivu, officials announced measures aimed at limiting movement from Ituri, including a one-week restriction on people entering the province from Monday. Other planned measures include limits on passenger numbers in vehicles and on motorbikes, alongside the suspension of large public gatherings.
Neighbouring Uganda previously recorded 20 confirmed Ebola cases, including 15 imported from the DRC, and two deaths before authorities declared the country Ebola-free in August.
Kenya’s latest case highlights the importance of early detection, isolation, contact tracing and strict infection prevention measures as health authorities work to contain the outbreak.
About Author
