Ebola: 20 discharged from quarantine in Kenya, 98 remain
A medic wears a protective mask at Nairobi Hospital where an Ebola patient was isolated immediately upon arrival and treated at the hospital's East Wing Isolation Facility, but later died, in Nairobi, on October 7, 2026.
The first 20 people to complete 21 days of monitoring after contact with Kenya's first Ebola patient returned to their families on Monday, three weeks after the country confirmed its first imported case.
The Ministry of Health said the 20 had completed the full monitoring period and were in good health. The remaining 98 contacts are expected to be released in four waves starting on November 3, depending on each person's individual health assessment.
Each of the 20 was assessed against the release criteria, including 21 days without any symptoms since their last exposure. The ministry said they "do not pose any risk" to their families, colleagues or neighbours, and asked communities to welcome them back warmly.
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth called the release "a milestone worth celebrating" and "a clear sign that early identification, quarantine and close monitoring are working", but warned that "the work is not yet done".
Outbreak to be declared over after 42 days
The ministry said the outbreak will be declared over only after 42 days. The count starts when the last confirmed patient has had two negative tests at least 48 hours apart and is discharged or safely buried.
"While we celebrate this milestone today, our eyes remain firmly on the finish line," Dr Amoth said.
"We cannot afford to drop our vigilance until we reach that point."
Kenya reported its first Ebola case on October 26, a day after the patient died.
Of the nine confirmed cases, two have died from the Bundibugyo virus strain.
The ministry said it is providing mental health and psychosocial support for those in quarantine, as well as discharged contacts returning home.
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