The Ministry of Health has announced that the first group of people placed in quarantine following exposure to Ebola is expected to return home on Sunday, October 25, after completing the required monitoring period without showing symptoms.
Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said the individuals were among contacts placed under surveillance following Kenya’s confirmation of its first Ebola case on October 6. The group will be released after completing 21 days of monitoring, with the exercise to be supervised by the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI).
Speaking during an engagement on October 21, Amoth confirmed that the discharge process would be led by KNPHI Acting Director-General Dr. Kamene Kimenye.
He urged the public to remain vigilant as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak, while cautioning against unnecessary alarm.
Amoth noted that the reported infections remained linked to the initial case, with no community transmission recorded so far. He added that if no further transmission occurs and the required public health conditions are met, Kenya could begin the official countdown towards being declared Ebola-free.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an Ebola outbreak can be declared over after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed or probable case. The period begins the day after the last patient tests negative twice, with the tests conducted at least 48 hours apart, or following the death and safe burial of the last patient.
The planned release of the first group marks a key stage in the monitoring process, as health officials continue tracking contacts and assessing the risk of further spread.
