In brief
Kenya's health ministry confirmed a second Ebola case, involving a 39‑year‑old man who was a close relative of the first patient who died on 5 October. The patient, already in quarantine, fell ill on Tuesday, with authorities stressing early detection improved chances of recovery. Investigations revealed the first patient had travelled from DR Congo via Uganda, with 128 contacts identified; 113 have been traced. With no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain, the outbreak remains a major public‑health concern.
Kenya has confirmed a second case of Ebola, 10 days after a businessman died of the virus after travelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The new patient, a 39‑year‑old man who is a close relative of the first case, was already in quarantine when he fell ill on Tuesday, according to the Kenya health ministry.
The Ebola virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit.
The incubation period is between two and 21 days, meaning those exposed may not become ill for weeks.
Early detection has improved the patient’s chances of recovery and reduced risk of further transmission, the ministry said, urging the public to stay calm but vigilant.
Both cases are linked, and there is no evidence of wider community spread, the ministry added.
The Kenyan man who died on 5 October was diagnosed after admission to Nairobi hospital and was believed to have travelled from Congo to Kenya via Uganda without detection.
Over 4,000 people have died from Ebola in DR Congo this year, making it the second deadliest known outbreak to date.
