Twenty people who were identified as contacts of Kenya’s first imported Ebola case have completed their 21-day monitoring period in good health and are returning home, the Ministry of Health has announced.
The milestone comes three weeks after the first imported case was reported on October 6, 2026, as health authorities continue monitoring people who may have been exposed to the virus.
The ministry said the remaining 98 contacts would be released in four waves beginning November 3, provided they complete the required monitoring period without developing symptoms.
Kenya’s confirmed Ebola cases remain at nine, with two fatalities recorded, translating to a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent.
Seven patients remain in treatment units and are reported to be in stable condition.
Genomic sequencing of three samples from the nine confirmed cases has established a genetic link to the initial case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Sequencing of the remaining six samples is ongoing.
Health authorities said surveillance and screening efforts remain active at points of entry, health facilities and within communities to support early detection and response.
The response follows the World Health Organization’s 7-1-7 approach, which aims to detect a public health threat within seven days, notify authorities within one day and initiate an effective response within seven days.
The ministry said Kenya would only declare the outbreak over after 42 days had elapsed following the last confirmed patient’s second consecutive negative test, taken at least 48 hours after the first, and the patient’s discharge or safe burial, as applicable.
No restrictions have been imposed on travel, trade or public gatherings, according to the ministry.
Members of the public who develop symptoms such as fever, fatigue, muscle pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding after potential exposure or travel to the DRC have been urged to seek medical attention immediately.
The ministry is also providing mental health and psychosocial support to contacts, patients, their families and frontline health workers through trained professionals.
Members of the public can call the toll-free number 719 for assistance or to report suspected cases. They can also use the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
