#Nigeria, Government Provides Update of #Abuja #Ebola Case As #Genetic Analysis Shows Virus Is Related to that Identified in #Kenya (MoH, Oct. 24 '26)

{From Social Media Page of Nigeria's Ministry of Health}

PRESS RELEASE | Abuja, Nigeria | 23 October 2026

FG PROVIDES UPDATE ON FCT EBOLA  CASE AS GENETIC ANALYSIS SHOWS VIRUS IS RELATED TO VIRUS IDENTIFIED IN KENYA

    The Federal Government has provided an update on the confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reporting  that genomic analysis indicates that the virus identified in Nigeria is genetically related to the virus identified in a case in Kenya. 

    Further investigations are, however, required to establish whether the two  cases are epidemiologically linked.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad  Ali Pate, said the findings provide important scientific information,  while emphasising that further investigations are required to establish whether the two cases are epidemiologically linked.

    The genomic analysis was conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Institute of Genomics and Global  Health (IGH) at Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, led by Professor Christian  Happi. Prof. Pate commended both institutions for their speed  and scientific rigour, while reiterating that genetic relatedness between viruses  does not, in itself, establish a direct transmission link between cases.

    Prof. Pate stated that identified contacts of the confirmed case remain  under active monitoring. 

    Some have tested negative, while results for others are still pending.

    The Coordinating Minister said the Federal Government was  strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, case management, risk  communication and infection prevention and control. Healthcare facilities have  been reminded to promptly identify and report suspected cases to public health  authorities, while additional training and sensitisation for healthcare workers will  support the effective implementation of response protocols.

    In a related announcement, the Director General of the NCDC stated that  the agency would begin issuing short daily updates to the public from 24 October  2026, in line with its public health guidelines. The updates will provide regular  information as the situation evolves.

    The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, observe all  recommended safety precautions, follow official public health guidance and avoid  spreading misinformation or unverified reports. He advised the public to obtain  updates from recognised health authorities, including the NCDC, the Federal  Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to containing the  outbreak, protecting healthcare workers and preventing further transmission,  while calling for continued cooperation from the public and all relevant stakeholders.

Ado Bako | Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations 

Source: 

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/De4DBG2t2nE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&psln=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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#Kenya's Ministry of Health Announced One Additional #Fatality among the Nine Cases of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease Confirmed so far (MoH, Oct. 24 '26)

 

{From the Social Media Page of the Kenya's Ministry of Health}

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH MOURNS THE LOSS OF A PATIENT UNDER EBOLA  TREATMENT

Nairobi, 23th October 2026 | 2200Hrs

    

    The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened to announce the passing on of a 65-year-old  female patient, the third confirmed case of Ebola  (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) in Kenya. 

    She was a direct contact and close family member of the first case  (deceased) and was under quarantine when she developed symptoms on  13th October 2026.

    She was  admitted to the infectious disease unit on the same day and had  been receiving supportive care from our dedicated medical teams, who did  everything possible to save her life.

    Sadly, she succumbed to the disease early this evening.

    Her family has been formally informed of this sad event. On behalf of the  Government friends and community, and stands with them at this very difficult  moment. We kindly and the people of Kenya, the Ministry extends its heartfelt  condolences to her family, ask the public and the media to respect the family's  privacy as they mourn their loved one.

    The Ministry in consultation with the family is facilitating a safe and dignified  burial in accordance with our established public health protocols. 

    Trained teams will conduct the burial with respect for the family's wishes and  beliefs, while protecting the family and the community from further possible  infection.

    This loss brings the number of deaths to two (2) among the nine (9) confirmed  cases. 

    The remaining 7 patients continue to receive care in the two isolation facilities. 

    All cases remain within one cluster of known contacts, and there is no  evidence of community spread.

    Her passing is a painful reminder that Ebola is a serious disease that can  be fatal, and patients can change condition suddenly without warning. We urge all  Kenyans to continue upholding public health measures: avoid contact with the  blood or body fluids of a sick person, do not touch or handle the body of anyone  who has died of a suspected illness, wash hands regularly with soap and water,  and seek help immediately if you develop fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting,  diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding. 

    Call 719 free of charge or use the WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.

    Let us honour her memory by standing together, supporting affected families  with respect, dignity and compassion. Verily we belong to Allah and to him we shall return.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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#Ebola disease caused by #Bundibugyo virus - #DRC, #Kenya and #Nigeria (#WHO D.O.N., Oct. 23 '26)

{Extracts}

Situation at a glance

    Since the publication of the previous Disease Outbreak News on 8 October 2026, the Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak has expanded geographically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as in the African Region, with Kenya and Nigeria reporting imported cases. 

    Sustained, high-level transmission continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of 9704 confirmed cases, including 4687 deaths (crude case fatality ratio: 48.3%), have been reported across 66 health zones in eight provinces. 

    The high proportion of deaths occurring in communities continues to highlight challenges in early case detection and timely access to appropriate care. 

    Of the 482 deaths reported since the previous update, 307 occurred in communities and 175 in treatment centres. 

    On 6 October 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya reported the first laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in Kenya in an individual who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Kenya via Uganda. 

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of nine cases of BVD including one death, has been reported in Kenya. 

    The eight additional cases are all known contacts of the first imported case. 

    There is currently no evidence of wider community transmission. 

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria confirmed an imported case in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in a patient who had travelled from Uganda to the country. 

    The patient is currently in isolation and receiving medical care. Further investigations are ongoing to better understand the complete travel history and the possible source of exposure. 

    These developments underscore the need for sustained readiness in the region, including cross-border surveillance, points of entry monitoring, timely case detection and coordinated preparedness and response measures. 

    WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, or trade with, affected countries.

Description of the situation

    Since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published on 8 October 2026, additional confirmed cases and deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Cases have been reported in five countries since the declaration of the outbreak on 15 May 2026: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, France, and more recently, Kenya and Nigeria. 

    Nigeria is the fifth country affected by the ongoing outbreak, highlighting the continued risk of cross-border transmission.  

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    An additional 976 confirmed cases, including 482 confirmed deaths, have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the previous Disease Outbreak News was published.

    In the most recent 24-hour period, as of 20 October, 67 new confirmed cases were reported, with Ituri accounting for 37 cases, Nord Kivu for 29, and Tshopo for one case. No new cases were reported in Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Nord Ubangi, Sud Kivu or Sud-Ubangi during that period.

    As of 20 October, cumulative confirmed cases have reached 9704, including 4687 deaths and 2595 recoveries. The overall crude CFR is 48.3%.

    Confirmed cases have now been identified in 66 health zones across eight provinces. Fifty of the 66 affected zones reported at least one new case during the preceding 21 days, while 16 reported no recent cases. Mandima, Beni and Bunia have reported the highest number of cases and deaths in the preceding 21 days. 

    Ituri remains the most extensively affected province, with 28 of 36 health zones reporting cases during this outbreak, followed by Nord Kivu (17/34), Haut-Uélé (7/13), Tshopo (7/23), Bas-Uélé (4/11), Sud Kivu (1/34), Sud-Ubangi (1/16) and Nord-Ubangi (1/11). Nord-Ubangi is the most recently affected province reporting three confirmed cases including one death and Dakwa in Haut-Uélé is the most recently affected health zone.

(...)

    Ituri remains the epicentre, with 7040 cumulative confirmed cases and 3271 deaths. 

    Nord Kivu follows with 2146 confirmed cases and 1199 deaths, and continues to record the highest provincial CFR, at 55.9%. 

    Haut-Uélé has reported 421 cases and 183 deaths, while Tshopo has recorded 76 cases and 27 deaths. 

    The less-affected provinces continue to report substantially fewer cases, but transmission persists in several of them. 

    The continued occurrence of cases across multiple provinces shows that the outbreak remains geographically active even as intensity varies between health zones.

    Out of 30 130 contacts under follow-up across six provinces, 24 017 were seen in the last 24 hours corresponding to a follow-up rate of 79.7%, up from 77.8% the previous day, but remaining below the required threshold of 95.0%. Two provinces were at or above the 95.0% threshold: Bas-Uélé (98.9%; 740/748) and Sud-Ubangi (97.3%; 109/112). Four provinces were below the threshold: Haut-Uélé (89.9%; 1286/1430), Ituri (92.8% (6382/6879), with 7 contacts becoming suspected cases, Tshopo (83.7%; 1077/12 086) and Nord-Kivu (73.3%; 14 423/19 675), with performance in Nord-Kivu remaining insufficient. Strengthened contact follow-up is required, particularly in provinces below the target, to achieve the minimum threshold of 95%.

(...)

Kenya

    On 6 October 2026, the Ministry of Health of Kenya reported its first laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in an adult male who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo via Uganda by road and arrived in Nairobi on 3 October by air. The case had been ill with other comorbidities for approximately one month and received care at several hospitals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He was isolated upon arrival at a hospital in Nairobi. Samples collected on 5 October tested positive for Bundibugyo virus at two national laboratories. Despite supportive care, the patient died on 5 October and was given a safe and dignified burial on 6 October.

    As of 20 October 2026, a total of nine cases, including one death, has been reported in Kenya.  All eight secondary cases are epidemiologically linked to the imported index case and associated with one cluster. They include four family members and four health and care workers. All new cases were under quarantine at the time of symptom onset and are currently in isolation and receiving appropriate supportive care and treatment at two designated facilities.

    There is currently no evidence of transmission outside this cluster.

    As of 20 October, all of the 135 contacts have been traced and quarantined.

(...)

Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one laboratory-confirmed imported case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, becoming the fifth country to detect the virus since the outbreak was declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 15 May 2026. The case developed symptoms on 7 October, four days after arriving in Nigeria, sought care in Abuja on 11 October and tested positive for Bundibugyo virus on 20 October 2026. The case is currently in isolation and receiving medical care.

    As of 20 October, 44 contacts had been identified and are being monitored. National authorities, with support from WHO and partners, have intensified contact tracing, case investigation and infection prevention and control measures, including the provision of essential supplies and personal protective equipment for health workers. Investigations are ongoing to establish the likely source of infection and reconstruct the travel and exposure history. WHO has urged countries across the region to strengthen surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, rapid response readiness and cross-border preparedness to mitigate the risk of further transmission.

(...)

WHO risk assessment

    On 14 August 2026, WHO reassessed the risk of the outbreak of BVD. The risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo was separated from the risk for other countries in the African Region.

    The risk in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was assessed as very high, the risk for countries sharing land borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo was assessed as high, and the risks for the rest of the African region and at the global level was again assessed as low. For further information, please see WHO Rapid Risk Assessment-Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo v4.

    In light of the evolving situation and newly available information, the rapid risk assessment is currently being revised to reassess the risk in affected countries, the African region and globally.  

Source: 

Link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2026-DON622

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#Threat #assessment brief – Importation of #Ebola disease cases caused by #Bundibugyo virus to #Kenya and #Nigeria – 23 October 2026 (ECDC, edited)

 

{Extract}

23 October 2026

Kenya and Nigeria have recently reported imported Ebola disease cases in their countries. In Kenya, the detection of an imported case was reported in Nairobi, where secondary cases were also reported. In Nigeria, a case in a person with travel history to Uganda was detected in Abuja. This has occurred in the context of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and cases reported in Uganda this spring. 

    This Threat Assessment Brief assesses the risk for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to the newly affected areas, and the overall risk for the general EU/EEA population. It is intended for public health authorities in the EU/EEA.

Epidemiological situation

    On 20 October 2026, Nigeria reported one confirmed Ebola disease case caused by BDBV in a person who travelled from Uganda via an international flight on 3 October 2026. 

    Symptom onset was on 7 October and the person was admitted to hospital on 11 October. 

    The confirmation of Ebola disease caused by BDBV was made on 20 October. 

    Contact tracing is currently under way, with 44 contacts being followed up.

    As of 23 October 2026, Kenya has reported nine confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including one death. 

    The first individual, reported on 6 October, developed symptoms while in DRC and travelled to Kenya via Uganda on 3 October. 

    All eight secondary cases (four relatives and four healthcare workers) were linked to the first imported case and were in quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    Contact tracing activities are ongoing in Kenya, with all listed contacts (135 people) being followed up as of 22 October 2026.

    As of 21 October 2026, 9 704 confirmed Ebola disease cases caused by BDBV, including 4 687 deaths, have been reported from eight provinces in DRC (data until 20 October 2026), where community transmission is still ongoing. 

    In Uganda, a total of 20 cases, including two deaths were reported since 15 May 2026. 

    The last confirmed case in Uganda was reported on 21 June 2026.

Risk assessment

    The likelihood of infection for people from the EU/EEA living in or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is assessed as low, providing they adhere to recommended precautionary measures. 

    Although infection with BDBV leads to severe disease at an individual level, the impact for people from the EU/EEA living in and travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low at the population level. 

    Therefore, overall, the current risk for people from the EU/EEA living or travelling to affected areas in Kenya and Nigeria is considered low.

    Based on the experience from the current and previous Ebola disease outbreaks in Africa, it is expected that the importation of cases to Europe will remain rare events and will mainly concern medical evacuations for treatment. 

    The likelihood of secondary transmission of BDBV and sustained transmission within the EU/EEA following an imported case is considered very low, as cases are likely to be promptly identified and isolated, and recommended control measures would be implemented. 

    The population-level public health impact in the EU/EEA is expected to be very low as only very few cases are expected. 

    Therefore, the overall risk of BDBV for the general population in the EU/EEA is assessed as very low.

Recommendations

    EU/EEA countries should remain vigilant, strengthen their preparedness and response capabilities for detecting and managing potential imported Ebola disease cases, and provide travel advice to people living in and travelling to/from affected areas.

    ECDC does not recommend any travel restrictions for travellers to or from Kenya and Nigeria. Exit screening from the affected areas and countries, including symptom checks and exposure assessments is an important measure that contributes to reducing the risk by identifying symptomatic travellers before they board, and preventing them travelling while symptomatic.

    Entry screening of incoming travellers from areas affected in the current outbreak is not proven to be an efficient measure to detect imported cases, and is also a highly complex public health intervention.

(...)

Source: 

Link: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/threat-assessment-brief-importation-ebola-disease-cases-caused-bundibugyo-virus

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#Kenya: #Bundibugyo Virus Disease Cluster of Cases - Day 17: No New Cases, All Contacts Traced, and First Contacts Set To Return Home (MoH, Oct. 22 '26)

{From the Social Media Page}

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA | OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

DAY 17: NO NEW CASES, ALL CONTACTS TRACED, AND FIRST CONTACTS SET TO RETURN HOME

Nairobi, 22nd October 2026

    Today marks Day 17 since Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) on 06th October 2026, and the country's  response continues to make steady progress. 

    All the 14 samples collected and tested from various alerts in different  parts of the country over the last 24 hours were negative for BVD.

    The total number of cases confirmed remains nine (9), including the  index case, who died on 05th October, 2026. 

    All the cases belong to a single cluster, with no evidence of community spread.

    Our patients are stable and progressing well. 

    The eight patients undergoing treatment in our designated isolation  facilities, four family members and four health workers who cared for the first  case, are stable and responding well to treatment from our infectious disease  specialists. 

    We look forward to each of them completing treatment, recovering fully,  and being discharged home to their families.

    Every contact has been traced, at home and abroad. 

    All the 135 contacts associated with the first case have been traced (100%),  both within Kenya and internationally, and the relevant health authorities of  the countries concerned have been formally informed in line with the International  Health Regulations (2005). 

    We thank our national and county contact-tracing teams, families,  communities and our development partners for this significant achievement.

    What we know about how the infections occurred. Our epidemiologists  have mapped the exposure dates, quarantine dates, and symptom onset of every  case. Each patient was in close contact with the first case between 3rd and 5th  October, before entering quarantine, and each fell ill within the known incubation  period of Ebola (2-21 days). This pattern is consistent with infection from the first  case. It also shows that no infection has been traced to transmission within our  quarantine facilities, where infection prevention and control measures have been  strengthened further. 

    Each contact's 21-day monitoring period is counted from their own last  exposure, and anyone exposed to a later confirmed case is monitored from that  date thereof.

    Surveillance and testing continue nationwide. Enhanced surveillance  continues in health facilities and communities across all counties. 

    At points of entry, 709,093 travellers have been screened, including 3,107 in  the last 24 hours. A total of 461 samples have been tested since the start of the  outbreak in May 2026. 

    Going home this weekend. From Sunday, 25th October, the first contacts to  complete 21 days of monitoring and who will be in good health, will be released  from quarantine and reunited with their families. Their sacrifice has helped keep  Kenya safe, and the nation is grateful to them and to those who stood by them. As  they return, we ask neighbours, workplaces and communities to receive them  warmly. They have passed the full monitoring period without falling ill and cannot  pass the infection to anybody.

    Life in Kenya continues as normal: travel, trade and public gatherings are  not restricted. Every Kenyan can help bring this outbreak to a close. We ask you  to keep following the guidance of the Ministry of Health and to cooperate fully with  the response teams. Anyone with fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint  pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding should seek help  immediately at the nearest health facility, by calling 719 free of charge, or through  Jali our WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719. Let us stand with our  patients, contacts and health workers with compassion, not stigma. The end of  this outbreak is within reach, and together we will get there.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE?__tn__=%2Cd-UC*F

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#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak in #DRC, #Kenya, #Nigeria - Weekly #Report No. 23, Data as of 19 Oct. '26 (WHO, summary)

 

{Summary}

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

Event description

    The Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak is becoming increasingly  challenging, marked by an expanding cluster of cases linked  to the imported index case in Kenya, further geographic expansion into a new  province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the confirmation of a case  in Nigeria. 

    These developments highlight the widening international dimension  and the growing complexity of the outbreak, particularly in the  Democratic Republic of the Congo, where escalating insecurity, population  displacement and restricted humanitarian access threaten to further undermine  surveillance and response operations.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    As of 19 October 2026, the BVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of  the Congo has affected 66 health zones across eight provinces, following  the recent expansion into Wapinda Health Zone in Nord-Ubangi Province. 

    Since External Situation Report #22, an additional 572 confirmed cases and 265 confirmed deaths have been reported, bringing the cumulative total to  9637 confirmed cases, including 4646 confirmed deaths [crude case fatality ratio (CFR) 48.2%].

    Transmission remains highly heterogeneous across affected areas. Ituri  continues to account for the largest proportion of cumulative confirmed  cases (72.7%), although its relative contribution is declining, while substantial  transmission persists in Nord-Kivu and Haut-Uélé.

    National daily incidence increased steadily from May, reaching its highest  levels in late July and mid-August, before fluctuating at persistently high  levels through September. Following a decline in late September,  incidence rebounded in early October. 

    The most recent seven-day moving average indicates a modest upward trend, suggesting renewed intensification of transmission. Provincial trends  remain heterogeneous. Ituri shows a slight recent rebound despite an overall  decline from its August peak, while Nord-Kivu continues to experience elevated  but fluctuating transmission. 

    Haut-Uélé remains relatively stable with a slight increase, and Tshopo  shows renewed upward activity. Transmission remains sporadic in Bas-Uélé, with  newly reported cases in Nord-Ubangi, while Sud-Kivu and Sud-Ubangi report no recent transmission in the last 21 days (Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 1. Daily national trend in confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases, with  seven-day moving average, by date of report, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as of 19 October 2026

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

(...)

Trend Analysis (21-day comparison):

    During the most recent 21-day period (29 September – 19 October 2026),  a total of 1466 confirmed cases were reported nationally, compared with 1328  cases during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28 September), representing an increase  of 138 cases (+10.4%). 

    Provincial trends remain heterogeneous. Cases increased in Ituri from 757  to 785 (+3.7%), accounting for 53.5% of national cases during the latest  period. In Nord-Kivu, cases increased from 460 to 564 (+22.6%), accounting for  38.5% of national cases while in Haut-Uélé cases decreased slightly from 82 to 81  (−1.2%), accounting for 5.5% of national cases.

    During the same period, a total of 692 confirmed deaths were reported  nationally, compared with 644 deaths during the preceding 21 days (8 – 28  September), representing an increase of 48 deaths (+7.5%). Deaths increased  from 302 to 374 (+23.8%) in Ituri, from 213 to 269 (+26.3%) in Nord-Kivu, from  35 to 38 (+8.6%) in Haut-Uélé, and from seven to ten (+42.9%) in Tshopo.  The increase in confirmed deaths, particularly in Ituri and Nord-Kivu,  reflects a worsening mortality burden alongside rising national case incidence.

(...)

    Transmission remained active in more than three-quarters of all health  zones affected since the start of the outbreak. 

    Of the 66 health zones affected to date, 50 (75.8%) reported at least one  new confirmed case during the most recent 21 days (29 September – 19 October  2026). Case incidence increased in 31 health zones while 21 health zones reported a decreased in cases comparing the two periods. The largest absolute  increase occurred in Mandima, Ituri (87 to 216 cases; +148.3%), while  substantial increases were also observed in Mambasa (12 to 45; +275.0%) and  several health zones in Nord-Kivu, particularly Mabalako (22 to 47; +113.6%),  Oicha (17 to 28; +64.7%) and Beni (158 to 194; +22.8%) (Figure 4).

    There were also 16 health zones without a new case in the last 21 days.  These include Adja, Ariwara, Aungba, Boga, Drodro, Kambala and Mahagi in Ituri;  Goma in Nord-Kivu; Dungu and Gombari in Haut-Uélé; Lubunga and Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo; Miti-Murhesa in Sud-Kivu; Buta and Viadana in Bas-Uélé; and Bulu in Sud-Ubangi.

(...)

    Weekly confirmed deaths (Figure 6) declined by 5.2%, from 233 during  5–11 October to 221 during 12–18 October 2026, reversing the upward trend  observed over the preceding two weeks. Community deaths decreased from 157  to 135 (−14.0%), while deaths in treatment facilities increased from 76 to 86  (+13.2%). Consequently, the proportion of deaths occurring in the community  declined from 67.4% to 61.1%. Despite the overall reduction, more than six in ten  confirmed deaths continued to occur in the community, highlighting persistent  challenges in early case detection, timely referral and access to treatment.

(...)

Kenya

    Since the previous report, Kenya has confirmed eight additional cases of BVD, bringing the cumulative total to nine cases, including one death (CFR: 11.1%). 

    

    All eight new cases were epidemiologically linked to the imported index  case and were already under quarantine when they developed symptoms. 

    The secondary cases included four family members and four hospital  staff.

    Of the nine confirmed cases, seven were male and two were female,  with ages ranging from 24 to 65 years. 

    Eight patients are currently in isolation and receiving treatment at two  designated facilities. All are reportedly in stable condition.

    A total of 135 contacts have been listed, comprising 46 airport staff, 45  hospital staff, 26 passengers, 14 relatives and four flight crew members. 

    Of these, eight have tested positive for BVD (four relatives and four  hospital staff). 

    Eight passengers travelled outside Kenya, and the authorities in their  destination countries were notified. Among the 119 contacts remaining under  follow-up in Kenya, 118 (99.2%) are in quarantine, while one passenger remains  outside quarantine.

(...)

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

___

Nigeria

    On 20 October 2026, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria announced a confirmed case of BVD in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

    The case involved a woman who reportedly travel from Uganda to  Nigeria on 3 October 2026. She developed symptoms on 7 October 2026 and  sought care at a private health facility on 11 October 2026. 

    Following clinical deterioration, laboratory testing confirmed BVD on 20  October 2026. The patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment. 

    A total of 44 close contacts have so far been identified, including  healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and travel contacts. Additional  investigation is underway to establish her travel itinerary, including all those who may have been potentially exposed while the case was symptomatic. 

(...)

Situation interpretation

    The BVD outbreak remains at a critical juncture, with sustained  transmission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and international  spread highlighting persistent gaps in outbreak containment. 

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, escalating insecurity,  displacement and restricted humanitarian access are further challenging response  operations and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. 

    In Kenya, the identification of all secondary cases among known, quarantined contacts is encouraging, suggesting that transmission  chains remain traceable, although continued surveillance is essential to detect any  unrecognized spread. 

    In Nigeria, the prolonged period between symptom onset and confirmation  raises concern about potentially undetected exposures and secondary  transmission, requiring urgent retrospective investigation and intensified  surveillance. 

    Priorities should focus on targeted interventions in transmission hotspots, restoring operational access in insecure areas,  strengthening early detection and rapid containment, and intensifying coordinated  cross-border surveillance and information sharing to prevent further  international spread.

Source: 

Link: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/nigeria/publication/ebola-bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-uganda-weekly-external-situation

____

#Kenya Ministry of Health announced the confirmation of one additional #human case of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease, total so far: 9 Cases (Min. Health, Oct. 20 '26)

 

{Via Kenya Ministry of Health Social Media Page}

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA | OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR  GENERAL FOR HEALTH | PRESS RELEASE

    ALL NINE (9) CASES IN ONE KNOWN CLUSTER: PATIENTS IMPROVING AS FIRST CONTACTS SET TO COMPLETE QUARANTINE

    Nairobi, Tuesday, October 20, 2026

    Kenya's Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease) response continues to hold firm. 

    The Ministry of Health confirms one further case of the disease, bringing  the total to nine (9) confirmed cases, including the first case, who  died. 

    The new case is a known contact of the index case and was already in  quarantine when he fell ill. 

    All nine cases belong to one cluster, and as today there is no evidence of  transmission outside this group.

    The ninth case, a 24-year-old man is also a close family member of the  first case, was confirmed on 19th October. 

    He was isolated at the first sign of illness, tested and started on treatment  immediately upon confirmation of his positive test result.

    Our patients are improving and responding well to treatment. 

    All eight (8) patients are receiving appropriate supportive care from our dedicated clinical teams. 

    All the patients have improved markedly and are currently stable under  strict observation and treatment. 

    In addition, we have received 500 doses of medicines to support treatment of all confirmed cases. 

    We are grateful to our partners for the solidarity and collaboration in our  response and remain hopeful of good outcomes for every patient under care.

    Contact tracing continues to widen. As each new case is confirmed, their  contacts are added to the tracing list, and this explains the growing number of contacts. 

    Today, 134 of 135 contacts (99.3%) have been traced and quarantined,  far above the global benchmark of 85%. This progress reflects the dedication of  our national and county contact-tracing teams, closer cooperation with families  and communities, and the support and solidarity of our development partners. 

    We  sincerely thank all Kenyans for this collaboration, and continue to call for  your full cooperation with our response teams.

    Counties and hospitals are better equipped. The Ministry has distributed  supplies to 12 very high-risk and 16 high-risk counties, including the appropriate  personal protective equipment such as gowns, gloves, face shields and boots,  sample collection and transport kits, diagnostic kits and thermometers. These  commodities enable county rapid response teams to detect, isolate and safely test  any suspected cases promptly. 

    In  addition, a dedicated laboratory has been set up at the Kenyatta  National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to handle routine tests for patients under  Ebola care, so that the hospital's laboratory is contaminated with Ebola  positive samples or overwhelmed and can continue serving all other patients  without disruption of testing services

    Our safeguards are holding. We continue to assess and monitor the infection prevention and control measures in our quarantine and treatment  centers and continuously address any gaps as they arise to ensure the protection  of healthcare workers as they continue offering the much-needed response  services: there has been no spread of infection within quarantine facilities, and  every health worker caring for patients is fully protected.

    Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public  gatherings. We ask every Kenyan to keep following the guidance of the Ministry of  Health and to cooperate fully with the response. If you or anyone you know  has fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pains, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea  or unexplained bleeding, report it at once at the nearest health facility or on the toll-free line 719.

    A milestone is now in sight. Contacts who entered quarantine on 6th of  October and remain well will complete their 21-day monitoring period and begin  returning home from this coming weekend, 25th October, having successfully  completed quarantine. 

    We thank them and their families for their patience, their patriotism and  their contribution to protecting not only their families and communities, but also  the nation and the wider world. When they return, we appeal to communities to  welcome them home with love and open arms: having completed 21 days without  symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.

    Together, we are on course to bring this outbreak to a complete end.

Dr. Patrick Amoth, CBS | DIRECTOR GENERAL

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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#Kenya, Ministry of Health confirmed one additional case of #Bundibugyo Virus Disease raising the total number to eight (Oct. 18 '26)

{via Social Media Page}

    Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth has confirmed one additional Ebola case, bringing Kenya’s total to eight.

    “Today, 38 people were tested, and one tested positive. He is a 49-year-old man who is not a healthcare worker and developed fever, headache and muscle pain,” Dr Amoth said.

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE

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#Kenya, #Ebola Bundibugyo Virus #Outbreak Response #Update (Min. Health, Oct. 17 '26): 4 new confirmed cases, total so far 7

{Social Media Post}

MINISTRY OF HEALTH | REPUBLIC OF KENYA | EBOLA RESPONSE UPDATE, KENYA . 17 OCTOBER 2026

    ° 7 CONFIRMED CASES

        § 4 NEW CASES TODAY

        § 1 DEATH  

        § 6 RECEIVING SUPPORTIVE CARE

    ° 130 CONTACTS LISTED: 128 (98.5%) traced and in quarantine, 2 remain to be traced

    ° NO EVIDENCE of community transmission

    ° Risk to the general public remains low

    ° ALL NEW CASES were already in quarantine when symptoms developed. They were promptly  isolated, tested and placed under care.

    ° FOR GUIDANCE, CALL 719

    ° Stay vigilant. Follow official Ministry of Health updates.

Source: 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/MinstryofHealthKE/?ref=embed_page#

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#WHO urges #vigilance after #Kenya confirms second #Ebola case (UN News Centre, Oct. 15 '26)

 

    The patient, a 39-year-old man, is a relative of Kenya’s first case – related to the ongoing deadly outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – who died in hospital on 5 October. 

    He was among contacts who were placed in quarantine and developed symptoms on 13 October. 

‘We all have a role to play’ 

    “I congratulate the Government for taking this important step to ensure that contacts are listed and quarantined,” WHO Representative Dr. Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo told UN News in Nairobi, a day after the Ministry of Health confirmed the new case. 

    “But to defeat this disease, it's not about the Government, it is not about partners It is about everybody,” she insisted. “We all have a role to play and if each one of us plays our part, then we should be able to contain the disease and stop community spread.” 

Casting a wide net 

    Kenya’s first Ebola patient and fatality was a local man who had been living in the DRC, where the record outbreak continues to spread in the east. 

    He arrived in Nairobi via Uganda on 3 October and died in hospital two days later. 

    Dr. Kimambo commended health authorities who “cast the net very wide” to identify people who had come into contact with him – whether in the air or on the ground. 

    The more than 40 people included airline passengers and crew, airplane cleaners, airport workers, baggage handlers and immigration officials, as well as health personnel and family members.  

    Most are in quarantine, while a few low-risk contacts have self-quarantined and are being monitored. Meanwhile, every effort is being made to reach six passengers who have been difficult to locate because they have foreign phone numbers. 

Stepping up preparedness

    Even before the first case , WHO and the Kenyan Government were stepping up Ebola preparedness after the outbreak was declared in the DRC in May. Neighbouring Uganda also confronted the disease, with any outbreak officially ruled out in late August. 

    Teams are working across all areas, including surveillance and contact tracing.  WHO has also brought in a senior incident manager who participated in the Ebola response in Uganda, as well as other experts. 

    “We are building on the work that we started during the preparedness phase, so case management and IPC (infection prevention and control) are critical at this time in the quarantine centres,” Dr. Kimambo said. 

    WHO also continues to provide assistance to Kenya in various other ways. The UN agency has donated some $70,000 worth of supplies, including IPC and laboratory items, since the first Ebola case was identified.  

    Additionally, more than 4,000 health workers have been trained, including for screenings at ports of entry. 

Keep borders open

    While Dr. Kimambo said there still is no need to impose travel restrictions or close national borders, she underlined the importance of appropriate screening to identify travellers who may pose a health risk. 

    Preventing Ebola begins with understanding how the disease is transmitted, she said, which is through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person.  

    She reiterated the advice to practice regular handwashing, use hand sanitizer and avoid shaking hands. 

    As Ebola symptoms include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea – which mimic symptoms of malaria and other diseases – she stressed the need to seek medical care quickly. In the interim, Kenyans are urged to keep calm and stay safe. 

    “I think one is not to over panic and be very fearful because we do not have community spread,” she said.  “But two, let us be responsible. Whoever is sick, let’s make sure we go to a health facility and get care.  And also, let us ensure that we take IPC measures.” 

Source: 

Link: https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/10/1168602

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#Bundibugyo Virus Disease #Outbreak in #DRC - Weekly #Situation #Report 22, Data as of 11 October 2026 (WHO, summary): 9,066 cases and 4,381 deaths

 

{Summary}

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Event description

Democratic Republic of the Congo

    The BVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to evolve, expanding both geographically and in terms of the numbers of cases and deaths. 

    The Dakwa Health Zone in Bas-Uélé Province has become the latest  affected health zone, bringing the total number of impacted health zones to 65  across seven provinces since the start of the outbreak. 

    Transmission remains highly heterogeneous across these regions. Since  External Situation Report #21, a total of 463 additional confirmed cases and 233 confirmed deaths have been reported. This increases the cumulative  total to 9066 confirmed cases, including 4381 confirmed deaths [crude case fatality ratio (CFR) 48.3%] as of 11 October 2026.

    Ituri remains the principal focus of the outbreak, though its relative  contribution is declining; it is currently for 73.8% of cumulative confirmed cases. 

    Substantial transmission persist in Nord-Kivu and Haut-Uélé.

    National incidence remains high and fluctuating, with no sustained  downward trajectory evident. Following rapid expansion through July and August,  the epidemic has entered a more heterogeneous phase characterized by repeated declines and rebounds. This pattern reflects asynchronous transmission  across provinces and health zones; declining activity in established Ituri hotspots  is being offset by persistent or renewed activity elsewhere, particularly in  NordKivu, while sporadic detections continue to extend the geographic footprint. 

    The overall trend suggest a shifting and geographically fragmented  epidemic than sustained contraction.(Figure 1)

Figure 1. Daily national trend in confirmed Bundibugyo virus disease cases, with  seven-day moving average, by date of report, Democratic Republic of the Congo,  as of 11 October 2026

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

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Trend Analysis (21-day comparison): 

    During the most recent 21- days period (21 September – 11 October  2026), a total of 1333 confirmed cases were reported nationally, compared  with 1633 cases during the preceding 21 days (31 August–20 September). 

    This represents a decrease of 300 cases (−18.4%). Cases declined across  the three principal transmission provinces: Ituri: Decreased from 931 to 748  (−19.7%) accounting for 56.1% of national cases in the latest period.

        • Nord-Kivu: Decreased from 589 to 486 (−17.5%)accounting for 36.5% of  national cases

        • Haut-Uélé: Decreased from 89 to 72 (−19.1%)

    Despite the overall 21-day decline, daily incidence continues to fluctuate, with repeated rebounds, particularly in Ituri and Nord-Kivu.  

    Consequently, these reductions should be interpreted cautiously and do  not yet indicate a sustained contraction of the epidemic (Figure 2).

(...)

    During the same period, 649 confirmed deaths were reported nationally, compared with 782 deaths during the preceding 21 days, representing a decrease of 133 deaths (−17%). 

    Deaths declined from 448 to 377 (−15.8%) in Ituri and from 296 to 230  (−22.3%) in Nord-Kivu. 

    In contrast, deaths increased from 31 to 34 (+9.7%) in Haut-Uélé and  from five to eight (+60.0%) in Tshopo. 

    Consequently, Ituri accounted for 58.1% of deaths during the latest  period and Nord-Kivu for 35.4%, compared with 57.3% and 37.9%, respectively,  during the preceding period. However, as with cases, the overall 21-day decline  masks continued fluctuations in mortality and should be interpreted cautiously, as  it does not yet indicate a sustained downward trajectory (Figure 3).

(...)

    Transmission remained active in more than three-quarters of all health  zones affected since the start of the outbreak.

    Of the 65 health zones affected to date, 50 reported at least one new  confirmed case in the last 21 days. Case incidence increased in 23 health zones  (Figure 4), decreased in 26 and remained unchanged in one, highlighting  substantial heterogeneity in local transmission. The most pronounced increase  occurred in Mandima, Ituri (23 to 199 cases; +765.2%), while substantial  increases were also observed in Mambasa and several health zones in Nord-Kivu, particularly Beni, Mabalako and Oicha.

(...)

    Declines were widespread across Ituri and Nord-Kivu, including several  major transmission hotspots such as Bunia, Katwa, Mangala, Mongbwalu and  Komanda, while particularly marked reductions were observed in Tchomia  (−94.4%) and Isiro (−83.3%).

    The number of health zones with no reported confirmed cases during  the latest 21-day period decreased from 18 to 15.

    These include Ariwara, Aungba, Boga, Damas, Drodro, Kambala and Mahagi  in Ituri; Goma in Nord-Kivu; Dungu and Gombari in Haut-Uélé; Bafwasende,  Lubunga and Wanie-Rukula in Tshopo; Miti-Murhesa in Sud-Kivu; and Buta in  BasUélé.

(...)

    Weekly confirmed deaths ( Figure 5) increased for the second consecutive  week, from 192 during 21 – 27 September to 224 during 28  September – 4 October and 233 during 5 – 11 October. In the latest week, deaths  increased by 4.0%, with community deaths rising from 150 to 157  (+4.7%) and deaths in treatment facilities from 74 to 76 (+2.7%). 

    Community deaths continued to account for approximately two-thirds of all  confirmed deaths, increasing slightly from 67.0% to 67.4%. The sustained  increase in deaths over the past two weeks, particularly the persistently high  proportion occurring in the community, remains a key concern.

(...)

Kenya

    As of 12 October 2026, no new confirmed BVD cases or deaths have been  reported in Kenya since the detection of the imported case, and the  cumulative total remains one confirmed case with one death (CFR 100%).

    The imported case was a 40-year-old Kenyan male who travelled from the  Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi  on 3 October 2026. He presented for care and was isolated on the day of arrival, with laboratory testing confirming Bundibugyo virus infection. He died on 5  October and received a safe and dignified burial on 6 October 2026.

    Contact tracing and monitoring remain ongoing, with 128 contacts  currently listed, comprising 26 passengers, four flight crew, 43  Jomo Kenyatta International Airport staff, 10 relatives and 45 healthcare  workers. 

    Of these, 108 (84.4%) are in quarantine and were successfully followed up,  while 20 remain outside quarantine. The latter group includes seven passengers  who have not yet been located, seven newly identified healthcare workers and  one immigration officer who remains unreachable. 

    

    The remaining five contacts are passengers who had onward travels their  respective destination countries have been notified.

    A total of 289 alerts have so far been investigated, generating 293  laboratory tests, with all 292 results other than the index case testing negative. 

(...)

Situation interpretation

    The fluctuating national trajectory reflects uneven interruption of  transmission across a complex, geographically dispersed and increasingly cross-border outbreak. 

    Although response capacity has expanded substantially, persistent gaps  in early detection, contact follow-up, timely isolation and referral, together with  population mobility, insecurity and variable access to affected communities,  continue to allow transmission chains to persist or re-emerge. 

    The imported case detected in Kenya, following travel from the DRC  through Uganda, underscores the risk of further international spread, although no  secondary transmission has been detected in Kenya to date. 

    Bringing the outbreak under control will require rapid interruption of remaining transmission chains through earlier case detection and isolation,  ≥95% contact follow-up, investigation of community deaths, strengthened IPC  and safe burials, intensified surveillance in emerging hotspots, and rapid  management of unlinked cases, alongside strengthened cross-border surveillance,  information sharing and coordinated contact tracing. 

    Without consistent implementation of these measures across all affected  and at-risk areas, localized gains are likely to continue being offset by renewed  transmission and further geographic spread.

Source: 

Link: https://www.afro.who.int/countries/kenya/publication/ebola-bundibugyo-virus-disease-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-weekly-external-situation-report

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