Kenya reports second Ebola death in cluster linked to first patient

Kenya’s health ministry announced on 23 October that a 65-year-old woman had become the country’s second Ebola fatality. A close relative of the first patient, she developed symptoms while in quarantine in Kenya, bringing the death toll to two among nine confirmed cases.²⁵⁶

Cases remain linked to one cluster

Seven patients remained under treatment at two isolation facilities, the ministry said, and authorities reported no evidence of community transmission. Kenyan officials had identified 135 contacts and placed all of them in quarantine. The country is experiencing its first Ebola outbreak.¹²⁵

The World Health Organization’s account, covering the period through 20 October, recorded nine cases of Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya, with one death at that point. It said all eight cases identified after the first imported infection were among that patient’s known contacts, with no evidence of transmission beyond the cluster.³

The WHO said the initial patient arrived in Nairobi on 3 October after journeying from Congo via Uganda. He died on 5 October despite supportive care. The BBC reported that he had become ill in September, before travelling to Kenya.¹³

The seven people still receiving treatment include three relatives, three health workers and a hospital cleaner, according to the BBC. Its report also described the woman who died as having been quarantined before she developed symptoms.¹

Screening and travel advice

The BBC reported on 24 October that Kenya had strengthened screening for arrivals from Congo and nine other designated countries. Travellers from those countries must complete a digital surveillance form before boarding and show a QR code upon arrival, according to the report. Aircraft arriving from those countries are also subject to enhanced public health screening.¹

Citing health risks, the US State Department urged American citizens to rethink plans to visit Kenya. The WHO, meanwhile, advises against imposing restrictions on travel or trade with countries affected by the outbreak.²⁵³

Outbreak beyond Kenya

The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak was declared in Congo in May 2026, according to the WHO. Reuters and The Straits Times reported that Congo had recorded nearly 10,000 infections and more than 4,600 deaths. The WHO also recorded an imported case in Abuja, Nigeria, on 20 October.³²⁵

The BBC reported that the Bundibugyo species has no approved vaccine or treatment, although trials are taking place. Ebola can pass between people through contact with infected bodily fluids, including blood or vomit, according to its report.¹