Kenya reports zero new Ebola cases as Gov’t says end of outbreak ‘within reach’

Kenya has reported no new Ebola cases on the 17th day since confirming its first imported case of the Bundibugyo virus disease on October 6, 2026, with the first group of contacts expected to leave quarantine this weekend.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Health said all 14 samples collected and tested from various alerts across the country in the past 24 hours had returned negative results.

The number of confirmed cases remains nine, including the index patient who died on October 5, with all cases linked to a single cluster and no evidence of community transmission.

The ministry said the eight patients currently undergoing treatment in designated isolation facilities were stable and progressing well.

The patients include four family members and four healthcare workers who cared for the index case, with health officials expressing optimism that they would complete treatment and be discharged.

The Ministry of Health further said all 135 contacts linked to the first case had been traced, both within Kenya and abroad, with the relevant health authorities formally notified in line with the International Health Regulations.

Epidemiologists have established that all confirmed patients had been in close contact with the first case between October 3 and October 5, before entering quarantine, and developed symptoms within Ebola's known incubation period of between two and 21 days.

“This pattern is consistent with infection from the first case. It also shows that no infection has been traced to transmission within our quarantine facilities, where infection prevention and control measures have been strengthened further,” Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth said in the statement.

“Each contact's 21-day monitoring period is counted from their own last exposure, and anyone exposed to a later confirmed case is monitored from that date thereof.”

The first group of contacts who complete the mandatory 21-day monitoring period and remain healthy will be released from quarantine and reunited with their families from Sunday, October 25.

The ministry praised the contacts for their cooperation, saying their sacrifice had helped protect the country from further infections.

“As they return, we ask neighbours, workplaces and communities to receive them warmly. They have passed the full monitoring period without falling ill and cannot pass the infection to anybody,” stated Dr. Amoth.

Meanwhile, surveillance and testing for Ebola continue across the country, with the Ministry of Health reporting that 709,093 travellers had been screened at points of entry since the outbreak response began.

Of these, 3,107 travellers were screened in the 24 hours preceding Thursday's update.

The ministry also said 461 samples had been tested since the outbreak response began in May 2026.

Despite the outbreak, the government maintained that daily life should continue normally, with travel, trade and public gatherings remaining unrestricted.

Kenyans have been urged to follow guidance from the Ministry of Health and cooperate with response teams as the country works to contain the outbreak.

Anyone experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, a sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding has been advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

“Let us stand with our patients, contacts and health workers with compassion, not stigma. The end of this outbreak is within reach, and together we will get there,” noted Dr. Amoth.