Aden Duale Breaks Silence on Travel Restrictions, Public Gatherings After Third Ebola Case
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reassured Kenyans that the country remains open for business following the confirmation of a third Ebola case.
Duale said the government has not introduced restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings despite growing concerns about the spread of the disease.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, the Health CS urged the public to remain calm as health officials continue to manage the outbreak.
Government traces 127 Ebola contacts
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the third patient is a 65-year-old woman who is a close relative of the first two patients.
According to the ministry, 127 out of 130 identified contacts, representing 97.7%, had been traced and placed under monitoring. Health officials are still searching for the remaining three contacts.
The government said new cases could still emerge among people already in quarantine before their monitoring period ends. However, existing surveillance measures are expected to help health workers identify and respond to suspected infections quickly.
Duale’s ministry also said the government had distributed protective equipment, infection prevention supplies and screening equipment to 28 high-risk counties and points of entry.
Where is the third Ebola patient?
The 65-year-old woman had been in quarantine since October 6, 2026. She later developed symptoms, including fever, a sore throat and general body weakness.
Health workers isolated her and collected samples for testing. Both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) laboratory returned positive results for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease.
She was subsequently transferred to an infectious disease unit, where trained health workers are providing supportive care.
The Ministry of Health said the patient was already in quarantine when she developed symptoms, allowing health officials to identify the infection and respond promptly.
The second confirmed patient was reported to be in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
The government maintains that the risk to the general public remains low and says there is no evidence of community transmission so far. Kenyans have been urged to follow official health updates as surveillance and contact-tracing efforts continue.
https://t.co/itgQHv5s3N
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) October 16, 2026
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