Ministry of health has confirmed second Ebola death in Kenya after 65-year-old lady, who was third confirmed case, succumbed to the virus.

Health Director Patrick Amoth in a statement issued on Friday, October 23, said that on October 13, the quarantined patient developed symptoms and was immediately admitted to an infectious disease unit.

“The woman’s family had been informed of her death, and arrangements for a safe and dignified burial were being made in consultation with the family,” Ministry of Health said, noting that despite supportive care, she passed away.

It added: “Trained teams will conduct the burial in accordance with public health protocols while respecting the family’s wishes and beliefs.”

Kenya’s first Ebola case was identified this month (October) in a man who travelled from Democratic Republic of the Congo to Kenya and died at ‌‌a Nairobi hospital on October 5. The East African country has since traced and quarantined 135 contacts. Of those, nine cases are confirmed, including two fatalities, with no evidence of community transmission.

At a glance

There are six main types of Ebola virus. Sudan, Bundibugyo, Zaire, Reston, Bombali and Tai. Sudan, Bundibugyo and Zaire have been documented to cause the main outbreaks. The viruses are named after the places where they were first detected.

Health experts say Ebola spreads through direct contact with an infected or deceased person’s bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected wildlife.