Ebola Outbreak: 20 contacts released as Kenya eyes end of outbreak after 42 days

• Kenya's Ministry of Health released 20 contacts who completed their 21-day monitoring period on October 25, 2026
• The country had recorded nine confirmed Ebola cases and two deaths since the first imported case was confirmed on October 6
• Ninety-eight contacts remain under quarantine and are set to be released in four waves beginning November 3

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Nancy Odindo is a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering general news. Odindo has over six years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2023.

Kenya has discharged the first group of 20 contacts from its Ebola monitoring programme after they completed the mandatory 21-day observation period, the Ministry of Health announced on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth confirmed the milestone in a press release, noting that the released individuals posed no risk to their communities and were free to return home.

Current Ebola outbreak figures

Since Kenya confirmed its first imported Bundibugyo Virus Disease case on October 6, the country has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths, placing the case fatality rate at 22.2%.

Seven patients remain stable in treatment units. Genomic sequencing of three of the nine samples has established a genetic link to the first case and to the Bundibugyo virus lineage circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The remaining 98 contacts are still under quarantine and will be released in four separate waves, with the first group expected to go home from November 3.

"This is a milestone worth celebrating, and a clear sign that early identification, quarantine and close monitoring are working. It is also a reminder that the work is not yet done. They do not pose any risk to their families, colleagues or neighbors, and we ask communities to welcome them back home warmly. We thank them and their families for their patience and sacrifice," Amoth said.

Road to Ebola-free declaration

Despite the releases, health authorities cautioned that the outbreak is far from over. Dr. Amoth said the 42-day countdown towards an Ebola-free declaration can only begin once the last confirmed patient records two negative tests at least 48 hours apart and is either discharged or safely buried.

"Our eyes remain firmly on the finish line. The outbreak will be declared over only after 42 days. We cannot afford to drop our vigilance until we reach that point," Dr. Amoth stated.

The Ministry said it continues to reinforce infection prevention and control measures across health facilities, with IPC focal persons appointed, health workers trained, and personal protective equipment distributed.

Surveillance and screening remain active at points of entry, health facilities, and within communities, guided by the 7-1-7 approach, which requires detecting outbreaks within seven days, notifying within one day, and responding within seven days.

Travel, trade, and public gatherings remain unrestricted.

However, the Ministry urged anyone presenting with fever, unusual fatigue, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained bleeding to seek care immediately and disclose their exposure history, particularly if they have had contact with a confirmed case or recently travelled to the DRC.

Members of the public can report suspected cases by calling the toll-free number 719 or contacting the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.

Source: TUKO.co.ke