The Ministry of Health will assess 98 remaining contacts for phased release from November 3, while seven patients continue receiving treatment.
Kenya has released its first 20 Ebola contacts after they completed 21 days of monitoring without developing symptoms. However, 98 others remain in quarantine ahead of phased clearance starting November 3.
Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth announced the releases in a statement on Monday. He said the group had met clearance requirements, including remaining symptom-free for 21 days after their last exposure.
The Ministry of Health plans to release the remaining contacts in four groups, subject to individual health assessments. Meanwhile, the confirmed case count remains at nine, including two deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent.
Ebola contacts cleared to return home
Amoth said the cleared contacts posed no risk to their families, colleagues or neighbours. He therefore urged communities to welcome them back without stigma.
He described the releases as evidence that early identification, quarantine and close monitoring were helping contain the outbreak. However, he cautioned that the response was not yet complete.
The ministry is also offering mental health and psychosocial support through trained counsellors and mental health professionals. This support covers people in quarantine, returning contacts, patients, their families and frontline health workers.
Seven patients remain stable in treatment
The seven surviving patients remain stable in treatment units, where a multidisciplinary team continues to provide care. Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case, involving Bundibugyo virus disease, on October 6, 2026.
Genomic sequencing of three case samples showed a genetic connection to the first case, the ministry said. The results also linked them to the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, sequencing continues on samples from the other six cases.
Surveillance continues as restrictions stay unchanged
Despite the releases, the ministry will maintain surveillance and infection prevention measures in health facilities, communities and entry points. Amoth said facilities had undergone assessments, while health workers had received training on using personal protective equipment correctly.
The ministry also uses the 7-1-7 outbreak response approach. It targets detection within seven days, notification within one day and a response within seven days.
Authorities warned that declaring the outbreak over requires a 42-day waiting period. That begins after the last confirmed patient tests negative twice, at least 48 hours apart, followed by discharge or safe burial.
However, travel, trade and public gatherings remain unrestricted. The ministry urged anyone with fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding to seek care promptly.
This advice particularly concerns people with suspected-case contact or travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo. For assistance or suspected-case reports, call 719 toll-free or use the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
