Kenya Ebola Death Toll Rises to Two After Woman Dies in Nairobi

Health Director General Patrick Amoth at a Press Briefing

Kenya's Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak has claimed a second life following the death of a 65-year-old woman receiving treatment in Nairobi. The Ministry of Health announced her death on Friday evening, October 23, 2026, as seven other confirmed patients continued receiving care.

Health Director General Patrick Amoth identified the woman as the country's third confirmed Ebola patient. She was a close family member of Kenya's first Ebola patient, who died on October 5.

According to Amoth, the woman had been under quarantine when she developed symptoms on October 13. She was subsequently admitted to an infectious disease treatment unit, where she remained under medical care until her death.

The ministry said the woman's family had been formally informed of the development. Amoth also appealed to the public and media to respect the family's privacy during the mourning period.

Nine Cases Linked to One Cluster

The latest death brings Kenya's Ebola fatalities to two among nine confirmed cases reported so far. The remaining seven patients are receiving treatment in two separate isolation facilities.

Amoth said all nine infections remained linked to one cluster involving known contacts. The ministry reported no evidence of community transmission at the time of the announcement.

Health officials are continuing to monitor contacts associated with the confirmed cases as part of efforts to contain the outbreak. The response aims to identify potential infections early and prevent further spread.

The death of the 65-year-old woman has renewed attention on the risks posed by Ebola, which can cause severe illness and death. Health authorities have cautioned that patients' conditions can deteriorate suddenly, even while receiving treatment.

Safe Burial Arrangements Underway

The Ministry of Health said it was engaging the deceased woman's family to organise a safe and dignified burial. Trained teams will oversee the process in accordance with established public health protocols.

Amoth said the arrangements would respect the family's wishes and beliefs while protecting relatives and the wider community from possible infection. Special precautions are necessary because the bodies of people who die from Ebola can remain infectious.

Health officials have urged Kenyans to avoid contact with the blood and other body fluids of anyone suspected of having Ebola. Members of the public have also been warned against touching or handling bodies of people who may have died from the disease.

Kenyans Urged to Watch for Ebola Symptoms

The ministry has encouraged the public to maintain good hygiene and wash hands regularly using soap and water. People should also avoid direct contact with suspected patients unless they are trained and properly protected.

Kenyans who develop possible symptoms have been advised to seek medical attention immediately. Warning signs include fever, unusual weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people and contaminated materials. Early medical assessment and prompt reporting of suspected infections are important in helping health authorities contain outbreaks.

The government continues to manage the confirmed cases while monitoring the contacts linked to the outbreak. Authorities have urged the public to follow official health guidance and avoid spreading unverified information as containment efforts continue.