In brief
On Sunday, the Africa CDC lauded Kenya for its rapid containment of an imported Ebola case, calling the response a continental model. The agency warned, however, that the Bundibugyo outbreak is still spreading into the Democratic Republic of the Congo and identified critical gaps in preparedness. Current outbreak data show 10,699 confirmed cases, 5,202 deaths, and 2,900 recoveries, making it the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on record.
On Thursday evening, November 6, 2026, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) praised Kenya for its rapid containment of an imported Ebola case, while warning that the Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is still expanding.
Kenya reported its first imported case on Oct. 6 and has so far confirmed nine cases, including two deaths. The country tested 669 samples, yielding a 1.35 % positivity rate. No new cases have been reported since Oct. 19, and the first five patients have already been discharged.
Kenya’s containment deemed a continental model
During an online press briefing, Africa CDC official Wessam Mankoula said Kenya’s "quick and efficient" response set a benchmark for other member states. He also highlighted Nigeria’s encouraging containment work.
Wessam Mankoula stressed the need for all countries to strengthen preparedness:
"This is a time for all our member states to invest in preparedness and readiness. Having an imported case should not push us to panic as long as we have the minimum capacity at all critical preparedness pillars," he said.
According to recent Africa CDC data released on the same briefing, the multi‑country outbreak has reached 10,699 confirmed cases, a 48.6 % case fatality rate, and 2,900 recoveries. It is the fastest‑growing and second‑largest Ebola outbreak on record, with nearly twice as many cases and deaths as the 2014‑2016 West Africa epidemic.
Mankoula warned that critical gaps exist in infection prevention, case management, and logistics. He urged accelerated disbursement of pledged funds to contain the still‑fast‑growing Bundibugyo outbreak that threatens to spread further into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
