Kenya's Ebola Cases Rise To Eight As Congo Outbreak Spreads To Eighth Province

Kenya’s Ebola cases have risen to eight after a 49-year-old patient attendant tested positive while in quarantine, as authorities intensify containment measures amid a widening outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health officials said there was no evidence of community transmission in Kenya, with all identified infections linked to the country’s first patient.

Health Ministry Director-General Patrick Amoth said the latest patient developed fever, headache and muscle pain before testing positive on Sunday, October 18. The man was not a healthcare worker but worked as a patient attendant, cleaning utensils and linens. He had cared for Kenya’s first Ebola patient and was likely exposed to the virus during that contact.

The initial patient, a 40-year-old Kenyan man who had been living in Congo, travelled through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3. He was admitted to Nairobi Hospital and died on October 5.

Three close relatives of the deceased and three health workers who treated him have also tested positive. Kenya has identified around 130 contacts, including healthcare workers, with 128 remaining in quarantine. Authorities are testing those who develop symptoms, while the six other patients were reported to be stable after receiving supportive treatment.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment is available. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected people's bodily fluids or contaminated materials.

Meanwhile, Congo’s outbreak has expanded to an eighth province, North Ubangi, which borders the Central African Republic. Reports published on October 18 said the country had recorded at least 9,400 cases and more than 4,500 deaths since the outbreak began in May, making it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in Congo’s history.

Kenya has strengthened airport and border screening, designated a separate gate at Nairobi’s main airport for flights from 10 high-risk countries and established an emergency hotline. Neighbouring Tanzania has introduced mandatory health declarations and 21-day monitoring for travellers arriving from high-risk countries.

Uganda, which previously reported 20 cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak, declared itself Ebola-free in August. Regional authorities remain concerned about further cross-border infections as Congo’s outbreak continues to spread.