Kenya has confirmed a third case of Bundibugyo Ebola, with health officials racing to trace the remaining contacts and prevent further infections.

The latest patient is a 65-year-old woman who is a close relative of the first two patients. She had been in quarantine since October 6 before developing a fever, sore throat and general weakness.

Tests by the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute confirmed that she had Ebola. She is receiving care at an infectious disease unit.

Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth said keeping exposed people in quarantine had helped health workers detect the infection early.

The Ministry of Health said 127 of the 130 identified contacts had been traced and quarantined, leaving three still unaccounted for.

Despite the new case, the Ministry said there was no evidence of community transmission, and the risk to the general public remained low. However, more cases could emerge among people already in quarantine before their monitoring period ends.

The second patient remains stable and is responding well to treatment.

Kenya has stepped up screening at international airports, particularly for travellers from 10 high-risk countries. By October 15, health officials had screened 685,027 travellers since the outbreak response began.

The government has also distributed protective equipment and infection prevention supplies to 28 high-risk counties and points of entry to protect health workers and strengthen the response.

Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. It does not spread through the air.

Symptoms include fever, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

The Ministry has urged Kenyans to avoid spreading rumours and rely on official updates. Members of the public can call the toll-free health information line on 719 for guidance.