Kenya released its first 20 Ebola contacts from quarantine on Monday, 26 October, after they completed 21 days of monitoring without developing symptoms. Kenyan health authorities cleared them to return to their families following individual assessments.
The World Health Organisation said the group underwent final health checks and received counselling on precautions and any further follow-up required. Another 98 contacts remain in quarantine.
“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” said Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth. He said those released posed no infection risk after completing the symptom-free monitoring period.
Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, including two deaths. WHO said all nine belonged to one connected group, with no evidence of community spread. Eight contacts developed symptoms while already in quarantine and were transferred to the Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.
The health ministry said the seven patients still receiving treatment were stable. The remaining contacts are expected to leave quarantine in four groups beginning on 3 November, subject to their individual health assessments. Their release will depend on meeting the criteria, rather than the calendar date alone.
Amoth urged those still being monitored to follow instructions from health teams and report symptoms immediately. The ministry’s guidance includes remaining in their rooms and avoiding shared meals, bathrooms and personal items during quarantine.
The ministry is providing mental health and psychosocial support for people in quarantine, those returning home, patients, relatives and frontline health workers. It has also strengthened infection prevention through staff training, protective equipment and designated infection-control personnel in health facilities.
Genomic sequencing of three samples has linked them to the first case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analysis of the remaining six samples is continuing, according to the ministry’s update reported by Citizen Digital.
Monday’s releases do not mark the end of the outbreak. The ministry said that declaration requires 42 days after the last confirmed patient meets the specified clearance conditions or is safely buried. Travel, trade and public gatherings remain unrestricted, while screening and surveillance continue at borders, in communities and in health facilities.
Kenya confirmed its first imported case on 6 October. Earlier that month, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale inspected Nairobi Hospital’s isolation unit and reviewed preparedness at five designated facilities. The ministry identified facilities in Nairobi, Eldoret and Mombasa, alongside temporary isolation arrangements at border points.
The Nairobi Hospital unit is separated from the main hospital campus, with designated zones intended to prevent contact between patients in isolation and other patients. The ministry has also asked travellers to provide accurate health declarations to support surveillance and tracing.
WHO is supporting laboratory testing, case management and contact tracing. The organisation says there is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, although early detection and supportive care improve the chances of recovery.
Kenya’s health ministry has urged people with symptoms or possible exposure to seek care promptly at a recognised facility. Its toll-free health information number is 719.
