The Ministry of Health has confirmed a new case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to nine as the government strengthens measures to contain the outbreak.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 20, the Ministry of Health said the latest patient was a 24-year-old man who was already in quarantine after being identified as a contact of the first case, who died.
The ministry confirmed that all nine cases belong to one known cluster, adding that there was no evidence of transmission outside the group.
The government further said the latest patient was isolated at the first sign of illness, tested and placed on treatment immediately after testing positive on October 19.
“The new case is a known contact of the index case and was already in quarantine when he fell ill. All nine cases belong to one cluster, and as of today there is no evidence of transmission outside this group,” said Health Director General Patrick Amoth.
Amoth also announced that the Ministry had received 500 doses of medicines to support the treatment of confirmed patients, expressing gratitude to partners supporting the country's response.
As part of the new measures, the government has expanded contact tracing, with 134 out of 135 identified contacts traced and placed in quarantine, representing 99.3 per cent of the total.
The Health DG said the number of contacts could continue to rise as additional cases are confirmed and their close contacts added to the monitoring list.
“The progress reflects the dedication of our national and county contact-tracing teams, closer cooperation with families and communities, and the support and solidarity of our development partners,” Amoth stated.
The government has also distributed emergency medical supplies to 12 very high-risk counties and 16 high-risk counties to improve the detection and management of suspected infections.
The supplies include personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, face shields and boots, alongside sample collection and transport kits, diagnostic kits and thermometers to help rapid response teams identify and safely test suspected cases.
In other measures, Amoth said the Ministry of Health has established a dedicated laboratory at the Kenyatta National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to handle routine tests for patients receiving Ebola care.
The facility is intended to prevent Ebola-positive samples from overwhelming or contaminating the hospital's main laboratory, allowing other patients to continue accessing laboratory services without disruption.
He added that the Ministry was monitoring infection prevention and control measures at quarantine and treatment centres to protect healthcare workers and prevent further transmission.
Amoth further maintained that there had been no spread of infection within quarantine facilities and that healthcare workers attending to patients were adequately protected.
“Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings. We ask every Kenyan to keep following the guidance of the Ministry of Health and to cooperate fully with the response,” the Health DG said.
He added, “If you or anyone you know has fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, report it at once at the nearest health facility or on the toll-free line 719."
Meanwhile, the first group of contacts placed in quarantine on October 6 is expected to begin returning home from October 25 after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms.
The ministry appealed to communities to welcome those completing quarantine, noting that individuals who have completed the monitoring period without symptoms pose no risk of infection.
“We thank them and their families for their patience, their patriotism and their contribution to protecting not only their families and communities, but also the nation and the wider world,” the statement added.