US raises Kenya travel warning to Level 3 over Ebola

US raises Kenya travel warning to Level 3 over Ebola - Medical workers in protective suits transfer the body of an Ebola victim in Mongbwalu, Ituri province, eastern DRC, May 24, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The advisory also cites heightened risks of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road accidents, warning that these threats could pose significant dangers to American travellers in the country.

The United States has raised its travel advisory for Kenya to Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider visits following a new health warning linked to the Ebola outbreak alert.

The advisory warns that the threat could pose significant dangers to American travellers in the country.

Notably, the US Department of State has upgraded Kenya’s rating from Level 2, which advises increased caution, to Level 3, meaning travellers should reconsider their plans.

The change was announced on Monday, October 19.

The health warning follows a travel notice issued by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17.

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Additionally, the advisory cites concerns over Kenya’s healthcare capacity, noting that medical services are limited in rural areas and that many facilities lack adequate medicines and equipment.

It warns that travellers who require specialised treatment may need medical evacuation at their own expense.

The alert comes after Kenya confirmed a new Ebola infection involving a 49-year-old patient attendant, raising the country's total number of positive cases to eight as health officials intensify efforts to contain the outbreak.

On Sunday, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth announced the latest case after 38 people were tested, saying the patient had developed fever, headache and muscle pain before testing positive for the virus.

“We tested 38 people; one turned positive. Not a direct healthcare worker, a patient attendant,” Amoth said.