Twenty people who had been quarantined following Kenya’s Ebola outbreak have been cleared to return home after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period without showing symptoms of the disease.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said medical assessments confirmed that the individuals were in good health and could safely reunite with their families.
The Ministry of Health reported that 98 other contacts remain under monitoring and are expected to leave quarantine in four groups from November 3, subject to individual health assessments.
Amoth appealed to communities to receive those completing quarantine without stigma or fear, assuring the public that the released individuals no longer posed a risk to their families, colleagues or neighbours.
The development comes three weeks after Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola virus disease case on October 6, 2026.
Since then, the country has recorded nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent. The seven patients still receiving treatment are reported to be stable and continue to receive medical care.
Laboratory investigations have also shed light on the outbreak’s origin. Genomic sequencing of three samples established a genetic link to the initial case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Testing of six additional samples is still underway.
Meanwhile, the ministry said it continues to provide mental health and psychosocial support to people in quarantine, those returning to their communities, patients and their families, as well as healthcare workers participating in the outbreak response.
