Kenya has reported its second death from Ebola after a 65-year-old woman died while in quarantine following contact with the country’s first confirmed case, the health ministry said on Friday.
The outbreak originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with cases also reported in Uganda and Nigeria, raising concerns about the spread of the virus across the region.
The woman was a close family member of Kenya’s first Ebola patient, who died after returning to the country from the DRC. She developed symptoms on October 13, 2026, and was admitted to an infectious disease unit the same day.
“She was admitted to the infectious disease unit on the same day and had been receiving supportive care from our dedicated medical teams, who did everything possible to save her life. Sadly, she succumbed to the disease early this evening,” the ministry said.
The ministry confirmed that the woman had been under quarantine when she developed symptoms.
Kenya reported its first Ebola case on October 6, after the man who had been living in the DRC returned home. The country had not recorded any cases before then.
Seven patients remain under treatment
Kenya has confirmed nine Ebola cases so far, including two deaths. The remaining seven patients are receiving treatment at two isolation facilities, according to the health ministry.
All confirmed cases are linked to a single cluster of known contacts, with no evidence of community transmission, the ministry said.
Authorities have urged the public to follow preventive measures, including avoiding contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected people, washing hands regularly with soap and water, and avoiding contact with the bodies of people who may have died from Ebola.
People experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been advised to seek medical attention immediately.
The ministry has also provided a free helpline at 719 and a WhatsApp service at 0700 719 719 for public enquiries and assistance.
How does Ebola spread?
Ebola is a serious infectious disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person, or through contaminated items such as clothing and bedding.
The virus can also spread through contact with the bodies of people who have died from the disease. People are advised to follow public health guidance and avoid handling potentially contaminated materials.
The outbreak in the DRC has caused thousands of deaths since May, according to The Associated Press. Health authorities across the region continue to monitor cases, trace contacts and strengthen measures to prevent further transmission.
