NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya has identified 57 people who came into contact with the country’s first confirmed Ebola patient, with 10 placed in quarantine as the Ministry of Health intensifies contact tracing and surveillance.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the number of contacts could rise as health officials continue tracing and monitoring people identified during initial investigations.
Muthoni said health officers across the country had been activated to ensure suspected Ebola cases are identified and handled promptly.
She spoke on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while chairing a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi.
“The ministry is working closely with the county governments and faith-based health facilities to strengthen preparedness and ensure that the country responds effectively should the number increase,” she said.
Kenya Managing Imported Ebola Case
Muthoni reassured Kenyans that the country was not experiencing an Ebola outbreak but was managing an imported case.
“We do not have an outbreak; we have an imported case which is under management,” she said.
She urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and rely on information provided by health authorities.
During the meeting, Health Director General Dr Patrick Amoth said Kenya’s health system remained on high alert, with officials monitoring developments and preparing additional facilities if required.
“Adequate quarantine capacity has been put in place, and makeshift facilities could be established in areas where the need arises as the response progresses,” Amoth said.
Surveillance Intensified At 15 Entry Points
The Ministry of Health has also heightened surveillance at 15 entry points across the country as authorities work to prevent further transmission.
Treatment centres are being activated in counties bordering neighbouring countries to ensure suspected cases can be assessed and managed closer to where they are detected.
The move is part of wider preparedness measures as health officials continue monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus.
Stakeholders also resolved to hold periodic meetings involving different players in the response. The engagements will be used to review measures taken, assess emerging developments and identify gaps requiring attention.
The ministry urged Kenyans to remain calm and cooperate with contact-tracing teams.
Officials said the government would continue providing updates as it manages the imported Ebola case and works to prevent further spread.
