Kenya Confirms Second Ebola Case, Death Toll Remains at One

Kenya Confirms Second Ebola Case, Death Toll Remains at One

Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease, raising the number of confirmed infections to two while the national death toll remains at one.

The Ministry of Health announced the latest case on Wednesday, October 14, identifying the patient as a 39-year-old man and a close family member of the first confirmed case, who died last week.

According to the ministry, the man was already under mandatory quarantine when he developed symptoms on October 13. He reportedly experienced fever, fatigue and joint pains, prompting medical teams to conduct further tests.

Laboratory tests carried out at the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the KEMRI-CDC laboratory returned positive results, confirming the infection.

Ministry of Health Director General Patrick Amoth said the latest development brought the country’s confirmed cases to two.

“Kenya has now recorded two confirmed cases and one death,” Amoth said on Wednesday, October 14.

The patient has since been admitted to a designated treatment centre, where medical teams are providing supportive care and monitoring his condition.

Second Ebola Case Detected During Quarantine

The latest infection was identified through Kenya’s contact-tracing and quarantine programme, which health officials introduced after confirming the first imported case.

People identified as contacts of an Ebola patient are monitored for 21 days, corresponding to the virus’s maximum known incubation period. Anyone who develops symptoms during this period requires immediate assessment and testing.

The Ministry of Health said the 39-year-old man was among those already being monitored when he fell ill.

His case highlights the importance of identifying potentially exposed people early and monitoring them until the full observation period has elapsed.

Health officials have not announced a second death, meaning the national death toll remains at one.

The government is continuing surveillance and response measures to identify any additional infections and prevent further transmission.

Ministry Tracks Contacts of First Patient

The Ministry of Health has also provided an update on efforts to trace people who may have come into contact with the first patient.

According to the ministry, 113 of the 128 identified contacts had been traced by Wednesday. Of those, 108 were undergoing 21-day quarantine in Kenya, while the remaining five were outside the country.

Contact tracing is a central part of Ebola control because it helps health workers identify exposed individuals before they potentially transmit the virus to others.

Speaking earlier on Wednesday, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Head of Emergency Preparedness Wessam Mankoula said Kenya’s contact-tracing efforts compared favourably with challenges experienced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“For every one case of Ebola, we target to identify well over 60 contacts. This is where we struggle in places like DRC. Without improving on contact tracing, this virus may spread for long,” Mankoula stated.

His remarks underscored the importance of locating contacts quickly and ensuring they complete monitoring requirements.

Government Urges Kenyans to Remain Calm

The Ministry of Health has urged members of the public to remain calm while observing official health guidance.

Kenyans who develop symptoms consistent with Ebola, particularly if they may have been exposed to an infected person, are advised to seek medical attention promptly and follow instructions from health workers.

Ebola can cause symptoms including fever, fatigue, muscle or joint pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms alone cannot confirm an infection, making medical assessment and laboratory testing essential.

The ministry has also encouraged the public to rely on official updates rather than unverified information circulating on social media.

Where to Report Ebola Emergencies

The Ministry of Health has provided the following channels for Ebola-related emergencies and enquiries:

• Call: 719
• USSD: Dial *719#
• WhatsApp: 0700 719 719

With two confirmed infections and one reported death, health officials are continuing to focus on contact tracing, quarantine, laboratory testing and treatment.

The coming days will be important as authorities monitor identified contacts and assess whether further cases emerge.

ALSO READ: EPRA Raises Petrol Prices by KSh12.93, Diesel by KSh9.90, Kerosene by KSh28.49

Kenya Confirms Second Ebola Case, Death Toll Remains at One