The Ministry of Health has announced the discharge of the first five patients who tested positive for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, in a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth confirmed that the five patients, comprising two from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and three from The Nairobi Hospital, had completed treatment and tested negative for the virus.
The patients were discharged after laboratory tests confirmed that they had cleared the infection and were free of symptoms.
The Ministry also announced the release of 46 additional contacts who had completed their monitoring period and remained in good health, allowing them to reunite with their families.
The 46 join 20 other contacts who were released from quarantine on October 25, bringing the total number of people cleared from quarantine to 66.
The remaining 52 contacts are expected to complete their 21-day monitoring period and leave quarantine by November 11, provided they remain symptom-free.
The Ministry assured the public that individuals who complete the quarantine period without developing symptoms cannot transmit the disease.
Kenya’s confirmed Ebola cases remain at nine, including two deaths, translating to a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent.
According to Dr Amoth, no new case has been recorded since October 19, with all confirmed infections linked to a single cluster originating from the first imported case.
He further confirmed that there is currently no evidence of community transmission, while two patients, one at KNH and another at The Nairobi Hospital, remain under treatment.
The Ministry said the latest developments bring the country closer to ending the outbreak but cautioned that the fight is not yet over.
“Once our final patient has recovered or been laid to rest with full dignity and care, Kenya will begin a 42-day countdown, and the outbreak will be declared over only if no new case is recorded in that period,” Dr Amoth stated.
The Ministry also urged families, employers, neighbours and communities to welcome discharged patients and individuals released from quarantine without discrimination.
It emphasised that all those returning home had met strict public health requirements and would receive psychosocial support from health experts.
Meanwhile, the government has addressed recent travel measures announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in relation to travel to and from Kenya, maintaining that the country remains open for business.
Dr Amoth said Kenya would continue engaging the two countries through established international health and diplomatic channels, insisting that any travel-related health measures should be proportionate and supported by scientific evidence.
“Kenya remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings,” he stated.
The Ministry has urged anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of Ebola to seek medical attention immediately, warning that early treatment is critical to survival and preventing further transmission.
