The first 20 people who were placed under monitoring following the Ebola outbreak have been cleared to return home after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms.
The Ministry of Health said on Monday that the individuals were in good health and posed no risk to their families and communities, marking a milestone in the country's response to the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.
In a statement, Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth said the remaining 98 contacts would be released in four waves beginning November 3, subject to individual health assessments.
"Each of the twenty contacts was assessed against the release criteria, including 21 days without any symptoms since their last exposure. They do not pose any risk to their families, colleagues or neighbours, and we ask communities to welcome them back home warmly," Amoth said.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola on October 6, 2026, triggering surveillance, contact tracing and monitoring measures to contain the outbreak.
The total number of confirmed cases remains at nine, with two deaths recorded, translating to a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent. The seven patients receiving treatment are stable, according to the ministry.
Genomic sequencing of three samples has established a genetic link to the first case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sequencing of the remaining six samples is ongoing.
The ministry said it was also providing mental health and psychosocial support to people in quarantine, those returning home, patients, their families and frontline health workers.
Amoth urged contacts still in quarantine to continue following instructions from health teams, including staying in their rooms, avoiding sharing meals, bathrooms and personal items, and immediately reporting any symptoms.
The ministry said it had strengthened infection prevention and control measures in health facilities through staff training, the appointment of infection prevention focal persons and the distribution of personal protective equipment.
Surveillance and screening are also continuing at points of entry, health facilities and in communities, with suspected cases investigated promptly.
Despite the progress, the ministry cautioned that the outbreak had not been declared over, saying the process requires 42 days to elapse after the last confirmed patient tests negative twice, at least 48 hours apart, and is discharged, or is safely buried.
"While we celebrate this milestone today, our eyes remain firmly on the finish line. The outbreak will be declared over only after 42 days," Amoth said.
The ministry clarified that travel, trade and public gatherings remain unrestricted.
Kenyans experiencing symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been urged to seek medical attention promptly, particularly if they have had contact with a suspected case or travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The public can report suspected cases by calling the toll-free number 719 or using the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
