Kenya is monitoring Ebola risks amid concerns over possible transmission into South Sudan.
Six embassies urge South Sudan to fund health services as Kenya begins a 42-day monitoring period following nine Ebola cases.
Ebola concerns have intensified for Kenya after six foreign embassies warned about the risk of an outbreak in South Sudan. The warning comes as Kenya begins 42 days of monitoring following nine cases, including two deaths.
Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States issued their joint statement on Thursday, November 12. They urged South Sudan’s leaders to fund health services and allow aid organisations full access across the country.
Although South Sudan has not recorded a Bundibugyo Ebola case, the World Health Organisation puts its importation risk at 99 per cent. The assessment reflects ongoing transmission in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
South Sudan risks deepen Ebola concerns
South Sudan shares an approximately 813-kilometre border with the DRC, directly alongside areas experiencing an active outbreak. Confirmed cases in the DRC exceeded 10,900 as of November 9.
Because of that risk, the six embassies urged South Sudan’s government to direct public revenue towards healthcare. They also called for funding to cover public health workers’ salaries and greater access for organisations assisting people in need.
Meanwhile, South Sudanese authorities have investigated several suspected cases, including a fatal haemorrhagic fever case in Morobo County. Two blood samples tested negative for Ebola before tests confirmed yellow fever on November 10, 2026.
A separate alert in Yei was also awaiting laboratory confirmation in early November. South Sudan faces Ebola-related travel restrictions involving destinations including the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Kenya begins 42-day monitoring period
South Sudan is an important export market for Kenya, with roughly 800 to 1,500 people crossing between the countries daily. That movement increases the risk of importing the virus.
Kenya recorded its first imported Ebola case in October, followed by eight more cases. Two patients died, while the remaining seven recovered and left quarantine.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said on Wednesday that the monitoring period covers twice the virus’s longest incubation period. If Kenya records no new case, it will qualify for Ebola-free status on December 23, 2026, he said.
However, WHO has urged Kenya to maintain disease surveillance and screen patients at health facilities. It also called for stronger laboratory capacity and better health worker preparedness.
