A hospital worker who cleaned linens and utensils has become Kenya's eighth confirmed Ebola patient. The 49-year-old man was likely exposed to the country's first case earlier this month, health officials said, showing how the virus can spread even to hospital staff who do not treat patients directly.
The man developed a fever, headache, and muscle pain on Saturday before he was quarantined and tested. Kenya's Director-General for Health, Patrick Amoth, reported that out of 38 people tested on Sunday, only this man tested positive. On Saturday, the health ministry had already confirmed four other cases: three health workers who cared for the first patient, and one relative of that patient. The first patient had travelled to Nairobi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and died on October 5.
Health authorities remain on high alert because the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific medical treatment. The virus has crossed borders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is currently suffering the deadliest Ebola outbreak in its history. Since May, that country has recorded more than 9,400 cases and over 4,500 deaths across eight provinces.
Because people travel regularly between countries in the region, health teams are closely watching border crossings to stop the virus from spreading further. Neighbouring areas have also taken emergency steps, including travel restrictions and limits on public gatherings, to protect local communities.