Nairobi, October 19- Kenya has confirmed its eighth Ebola case as health authorities step up efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further infections.
The latest case involves a 49-year-old hospital attendant who reportedly came into contact with the country’s first patient. The man was responsible for cleaning utensils and handling linens used in the hospital, according to reports on the outbreak.
The patient developed symptoms, including fever, headache and muscle pain, before being isolated and testing positive for the virus. His infection has heightened concerns about transmission among people who may have come into contact with infected patients during their treatment.
Health authorities have identified 130 contacts linked to the outbreak, with 128 placed under quarantine for monitoring. Surveillance and contact tracing are continuing as officials work to identify any additional infections and reduce the risk of further spread.
Kenya’s initial case involved a man who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo before being admitted to a Nairobi hospital, where he died on October 5. Subsequent infections have included people connected to the patient and healthcare workers.
The outbreak is part of a wider regional health emergency linked to infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance, particularly around individuals who may have travelled through affected areas.
