Health Advisory: 2026 Ebola Disease Outbreak

Issued: October 2026

Introduction

As a trusted risk advisor, Minet Kenya has developed this advisory to provide employees, employers, institutions, and travellers in Kenya with practical, timely information on the current Ebola disease risk, transmission routes, warning signs, and measures to reduce exposure and seek timely care.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) remains a severe and often fatal illness caused by a group of viruses known as ebolaviruses. The overall risk in Kenya was described as moderate in the advisory, with sporadic outbreaks reported in parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

However, importation risk into Kenya has been recorded. Further instances of importation remain a possibility, particularly through cross-border travel and population movement, as reported by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 6 October 2026.

1. About Ebola Disease

Ebola is transmitted into the body through the mouth, eyes, or cuts and openings in the skin when a person comes into direct contact with:

• Bodily fluids of infected persons.
• Contaminated materials, such as clothes, surfaces, and equipment.
• Infected animals and wildlife.
• Persons who have died from the disease.

2. The Four Phases of Ebola Disease

The disease has four phases:

1. Incubation Phase

This lasts between 2 and 21 days, with an average of 8 to 10 days. During this phase, the infected person has no visible symptoms and is not considered infectious.

2. Early Phase (Day 1–3 of Illness)

Symptoms begin suddenly and may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite

The infected person becomes contagious once symptoms develop.

3. Acute Phase (Day 3–7 of Illness)

Symptoms may progress to:

• Profuse vomiting
• Watery diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps
• Rash on the trunk
• Red eyes

The infected person is highly contagious at this stage.

4. Haemorrhagic/Severe Phase (Day 6–9 of Illness)

Internal and external bleeding may occur, including bleeding from the gums, nose, eyes, blood in vomit, and blood in stool.

This phase can be fatal. The fatality rate may exceed 50%.

3. What Should You Do If You Develop Symptoms?

Anyone who develops a sudden fever, fatigue, muscle pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea, particularly after travelling to an affected area or coming into contact with a suspected case, should:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Avoid contact with other people as much as possible.
• Notify the designated health authorities through the official toll-free hotline, 719.
• Follow instructions from public health authorities.

Early reporting and appropriate medical care are essential in reducing the risk of further transmission.

4. How Can You Stay Safe from Ebola?

A. Infection Prevention and Control

Observe proper and rigorous hand hygiene at all times. Hand hygiene is one of the most important measures for preventing the spread of infections.

Follow these precautions:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable.
• Wash your hands immediately after any possible contact with a patient or the patient’s surroundings.
• Use chlorinated water for handwashing in areas where outbreaks are occurring.
• Avoid contact with bodily fluids, including urine, blood, sweat, saliva, and vomit.
• Avoid handling sick or dead animals.

B. Early Detection

If you or a colleague develops any of the symptoms described above, seek appropriate healthcare services immediately, especially after travelling to an affected area.

Avoid concealing symptoms, self-medicating, or visiting multiple healthcare providers without disclosing your symptoms and travel history. These actions can increase the risk of transmission and complicate the public health response.

Important: Not all health facilities are equipped to manage Ebola safely. Before travelling for care, contact the designated health authorities for directions to a prepared treatment centre with an isolation unit and trained personnel.

5. Recommendations for Employers and Institutions

Employers and institutions should implement workplace preparedness measures to reduce the risk of transmission while maintaining operational continuity.

Recommended measures include:

• Developing workplace health and safety procedures.
• Providing clear communication channels for health alerts.
• Implementing flexible sick-leave policies.
• Encouraging employees to report symptoms promptly.
• Promoting proper hand hygiene and infection prevention practices.
• Communicating travel-related health risks to employees.
• Ensuring staff know where to obtain official health guidance.

Preparedness, early detection, and clear communication can help protect employees, customers, and the wider community.

6. Is There a Vaccine for Ebola?

According to the advisory, no licensed vaccine was available specifically for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola responsible for the outbreak discussed.

Therefore, prevention efforts remain focused on surveillance, early diagnosis, case isolation, contact tracing, and adherence to infection prevention and control protocols.

For the latest information on vaccines, treatment, and outbreak response, consult the World Health Organization and Kenya’s Ministry of Health.

Conclusion

Ebola remains a serious public health concern that requires vigilance, early detection, and coordinated action.

Individuals should practise good hygiene, avoid contact with potentially infected people or animals, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop following possible exposure.

Employers and institutions should also strengthen workplace preparedness, establish clear communication channels, and ensure employees understand the appropriate steps to take when a suspected case arises.

Stay informed, remain vigilant, and follow official public health guidance.

Sources and Credits

Original source: Minet Kenya, Health Advisory: 2026 Ebola Disease Outbreak, issued October 2026.

Author(s): Minet Kenya advisory team. Individual authors are not named in the original advisory.

References cited in the original advisory

1. World Health Organization (WHO). Ebola Outbreak – DRC 2026. Geneva: World Health Organization. Published 22 May 2026; cited 6 October 2026. WHO Ebola Outbreak – DRC 2026
2. World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa. Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease Outbreak: Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda – Weekly External Situation Report 19. Brazzaville: WHO Regional Office for Africa. Dated 26 September 2026; cited 6 October 2026.
3. Ministry of Health, Kenya. Kenya Strengthens Ebola Preparedness Through Enhanced Coordination with Partners. Cited 6 October 2026.
4. World Health Organization (WHO). Ebola Disease Caused by Bundibugyo Virus – Democratic Republic of the Congo. Geneva: World Health Organization. Published 14 August 2026; cited 6 October 2026.

Editorial note: This blog post is adapted from the supplied Minet Kenya advisory for easier online reading. For publication, verify the latest outbreak figures, local risk assessments, and medical guidance with official health authorities, as these details can change. The World Health Organization’s current Ebola outbreak updates provides ongoing information.