Kenya quarantines 10 as Ebola contact tracing expands to 57

Kenya has stepped up its response to Ebola following the confirmation of the country’s first imported case, with 10 people now placed in quarantine as health officials trace dozens of possible contacts.

The Ministry of Health said Wednesday that 57 contacts had been identified in connection with the deceased patient, although the number is expected to increase as surveillance teams continue investigations.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said health authorities had activated response teams across the country to ensure that suspected cases and people who may have been exposed are identified and managed promptly.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Muthoni urged Kenyans to remain calm, stressing that the country was dealing with an imported case rather than an Ebola outbreak.

Health officials are working with county governments and faith-based health facilities to prepare for a possible increase in the number of people requiring quarantine, isolation or treatment.

Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the government had adequate quarantine capacity and would establish temporary facilities where necessary as the situation evolves.

Surveillance has also been intensified at 15 points of entry, while Ebola treatment and isolation capacity is being activated in counties bordering neighbouring countries.

Kenya currently has 23 isolation and treatment centres, including facilities at Kenyatta National Hospital, National Police Service Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and the quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki.

The heightened response follows the death of a Kenyan citizen who tested positive for Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease after travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda.

The patient arrived in Nairobi on October 3 aboard Jambojet flight JM 8523 from Kampala. He was subsequently admitted to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated after developing symptoms associated with viral haemorrhagic fever.

Laboratory tests conducted independently by the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute confirmed the Ebola infection. The patient later died and was buried under established public health protocols.

Authorities have been tracing people who came into contact with the patient, including relatives and healthcare workers, as well as passengers and crew members who travelled on the same flight.

The government says surveillance measures have been in place since the Ebola outbreak began in May 2026. By October 6, more than 652,000 travellers had been screened and 267 samples tested, with only the deceased patient returning a positive result.

The Ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant but avoid panic, while relying on official information for updates.

Health authorities have also continued to strengthen infection prevention measures and prepare additional facilities should the number of suspected cases rise.