Ebola response efforts in Kenya have intensified, with 127 contacts identified and 94 quarantined following an imported Bundibugyo virus case, the World Health Organization says.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says Kenya has identified 127 contacts linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, with 94 people placed in quarantine as authorities intensify efforts to prevent further transmission.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 12, the UN health agency said it had delivered emergency medical supplies worth approximately $70,000 to support Kenya’s response, protect frontline healthcare workers and strengthen testing for suspected cases.
The supplies include protective clothing, isolation gowns, goggles, face shields, Ebola testing kits and specialised containers for transporting potentially infectious laboratory samples.
Other materials provided include infrared thermometers, disinfectant sprayers and equipment for infection prevention, waste management and the safe handling of medical materials.
According to WHO, Kenyan authorities have screened more than 665,000 travellers at entry points as part of intensified surveillance measures.
Five laboratories have also been designated for Ebola testing, including two mobile facilities at the Busia and Bungoma border crossings. Nearly 5,000 healthcare workers have received training to strengthen disease detection, patient management and infection prevention.
WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Kimambo, said the assistance would improve the country’s capacity to manage suspected cases safely and protect medical personnel.
“Protecting health workers is essential to saving lives,” Kimambo said, highlighting the importance of preventing infections within healthcare facilities.
She added that the supplies would support safe patient management, reduce infection risks and help maintain essential healthcare services.
The response follows Kenya’s confirmation on October 6 of its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease, one of the diseases caused by viruses belonging to the Ebola virus group.
According to WHO, the patient was a Kenyan citizen who became ill while living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The patient travelled by road through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3. After reaching Kenya, the individual was taken to a hospital, where the infection was confirmed through laboratory testing.
Despite receiving supportive medical care, the patient died on October 5.
WHO’s initial report on October 6 identified 28 contacts. The latest figure of 127 reflects the expansion of contact-tracing activities as health authorities work to identify and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The agency is supporting Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the Kenya National Public Health Institute through surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory coordination, case management and infection-prevention measures.
Kenya’s response comes amid an ongoing Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
WHO reported 8,728 confirmed cases and 4,205 confirmed deaths in the DRC as of October 6, 2026, highlighting the scale of the regional health emergency. Subsequent updates have indicated that the outbreak continues to expand.
Uganda, which also experienced an outbreak, declared it over in August 2026, while France and Kenya have each recorded one imported case, according to WHO.
The agency continues to advise against imposing travel or trade restrictions on Kenya, Uganda or the DRC, emphasising instead the importance of coordinated surveillance, timely detection and effective public health measures.
WHO said it would continue working with national authorities and partners to strengthen preparedness, support frontline personnel and limit the risk of further transmission.
The agency’s response underscores the importance of regional cooperation as health authorities work to contain the outbreak and protect communities across affected countries.
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