Kenya records one more Ebola case as total rises to 8

Kenya has reported a new Ebola case, raising the total number of infections to eight, as health officials work to contain the outbreak and safeguard healthcare workers. On October 18, 2026, Minister for Health Dr Patrick Amoth stated during a TV interview that Kenya is well-prepared to handle the infections, which have primarily impacted healthcare workers and family members of the first patient who passed away earlier this month.

The surge in cases occurred just a day after the Ministry of Health announced four additional Ebola cases on October 17, increasing the national total to seven.

During the interview, Amoth emphasized Kenya's readiness to manage the outbreak, stating that the country has sufficient resources, including adequate supplies of personal protective equipment for medical staff dealing with suspected and confirmed Ebola cases. This comes after three healthcare workers who treated the first Ebola patient tested positive on Saturday, October 17.

The affected individuals, aged 29, 35, and 32, were already under quarantine when symptoms emerged, minimizing the risk of further spread. The government reassurance on protective equipment addresses concerns raised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) regarding healthcare worker preparedness.

As of the latest update on October 17, 128 out of 130 identified contacts have been traced and placed under quarantine. Authorities continue to monitor these contacts for 21 days following their last potential exposure. The Ministry of Health maintains there is no evidence of community transmission, with Ebola transmitted through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected individuals who are symptomatic or have died from the disease.

Kenyans experiencing symptoms following possible exposure are advised to contact health authorities immediately via the toll-free information line at 719. The primary focus remains on confirming the current case count, protecting healthcare workers, and preventing further infections beyond the identified contacts.