Kenya’s Ministry of Health has announced the death of a 65-year-old woman undergoing treatment for Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease), bringing the country’s death toll from the outbreak to two.
The woman, identified as the third confirmed case, died on the evening of October 23, 2026, despite receiving supportive care from medical teams at an infectious disease unit.
In a press release issued in Nairobi, the Ministry said the deceased was a close family member and direct contact of the first confirmed case, who also died from the disease.
She was under quarantine when she developed symptoms on October 13 and was admitted for treatment the same day.
The Director-General of Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, said the government had informed the woman’s family and extended its condolences to her relatives, friends and community.
The ministry said arrangements were being made, in consultation with the family, for a safe and dignified burial in line with established public health protocols.
It added that trained personnel would conduct the burial while respecting the family’s wishes and beliefs and protecting the community against further transmission.
According to the ministry, Kenya had recorded nine confirmed cases, with two deaths, while the remaining seven patients were receiving treatment in two isolation facilities.
The ministry noted that all confirmed cases remained within a single cluster of known contacts, adding that there was no evidence of community transmission.
Describing the death as a reminder of the severity of the disease, the health authorities warned that Ebola patients could experience sudden deterioration despite receiving medical care.
The government urged Kenyans to observe preventive measures, including avoiding contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected persons and refraining from touching or handling the bodies of people who die from suspected infectious diseases.
Residents were also advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention if they developed symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
The ministry directed anyone experiencing symptoms or requiring assistance to call the toll-free emergency number 719 or contact its WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
It appealed to the public to support affected families with compassion and respect their privacy as they mourn their loved ones.
