Health officials have isolated the latest patient as the Ministry of Health continues tracing contacts and monitoring those in quarantine.
Kenya Ebola cases have risen to eight after a 49-year-old man tested positive for the virus. Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth announced the latest infection on Sunday night.
Amoth said health officials tested 38 people, with only the man returning a positive result. The patient developed fever, headache and muscle pain, and officials have since isolated him.
The announcement follows four infections reported on Saturday, which increased the confirmed tally from three to seven. However, the Ministry of Health has not disclosed the latest patient’s exposure history or whether officials were already monitoring him.
Kenya Ebola cases include health workers and relatives
Saturday’s four cases involved three health workers and a close male relative of the first patient, who died. The health workers had treated that patient in hospital.
The three workers, aged 29, 35 and 32, had remained in quarantine since October 9. Meanwhile, the male relative had been in isolation since October 6.
Earlier, on October 14, the ministry announced Kenya’s second confirmed infection. That case involved a 39-year-old close relative of the first patient.
Patients are receiving supportive care at a designated treatment facility. Health officials are also monitoring exposed individuals and continuing efforts to trace contacts linked to the outbreak.
Ministry says public risk remains low
Despite the increase in infections, the ministry has maintained that the risk to the general public remains low. In Saturday’s statement, Amoth said officials had found no evidence of community transmission.
The ministry noted that Saturday’s four patients developed symptoms while already in quarantine. As a result, officials could isolate them and provide treatment without exposing the wider community.
As of Saturday, authorities had identified 130 contacts linked to the outbreak. They had traced and quarantined 128, while efforts continued to locate the remaining two.
However, the ministry warned that further infections could emerge among quarantined contacts before the 21-day monitoring period ends.
Health officials urge prompt reporting of symptoms
The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola. It spreads through direct contact with blood or other body fluids from someone who is ill or has died from the disease.
The ministry has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear. These include fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Meanwhile, the government has maintained that no restrictions apply to travel, trade or public gatherings. Members of the public can also obtain further information through the ministry’s toll-free number, 719.
