The first group of people quarantined over possible exposure to Ebola in Kenya is expected to leave quarantine on Sunday, October 25, after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period.
Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth confirmed the planned discharge, saying those who complete the period without developing symptoms will be allowed to return home as the government continues efforts to contain the outbreak.
“Our first cases who have been in quarantine will begin leaving quarantine facilities on Sunday,” Amoth said.
The exercise will be coordinated by the Kenya National Public Health Institute as health authorities continue monitoring people who may have been exposed to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.
Kenya Confirms Nine Ebola Cases
The announcement comes as Kenya continues to manage nine confirmed Ebola cases, including the first patient who died after testing positive for the virus.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the ninth case on Tuesday, October 20, involving a 24-year-old man who developed symptoms while already in quarantine. He was identified as a close family member of the initial patient.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the eight surviving patients were responding well to treatment and remained in stable condition under medical observation.
Authorities have maintained that all confirmed infections belong to one known cluster, with no evidence of transmission beyond the group.
“We are not out of the woods, but remain calm, remain vigilant. Don’t panic, there’s no need to panic,” Amoth said, urging Kenyans to continue following official health guidance.
By October 20, health officials had traced and placed 134 of the 135 identified contacts under quarantine, representing more than 99 per cent of the people identified.
The contacts include people who may have interacted with confirmed patients and others identified during investigations into the infections.
The 21-day monitoring period is based on the maximum incubation period for Ebola. Anyone who develops symptoms during that period must be isolated and assessed by health professionals.
The latest confirmed case, which was detected while the patient was already in quarantine, highlights the importance of monitoring contacts until the required period is complete.
The government has also strengthened its response by distributing protective equipment, diagnostic kits and other medical supplies to high-risk counties.
A dedicated laboratory has been established at the Kenyatta National Hospital Infectious Disease Unit to support testing for patients receiving Ebola care.
Amoth said health authorities would continue surveillance and contact tracing as the first group prepares to leave quarantine.
The World Health Organization requires 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed or probable case before an Ebola outbreak can be declared over. The period is twice the virus’s maximum 21-day incubation period.
The countdown begins after the last confirmed patient tests negative twice consecutively, with the tests taken at least 48 hours apart, or after a safe burial if the patient dies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhoea.
People experiencing suspected Ebola symptoms have been advised to report to the nearest health facility or contact the Ministry through its toll-free number, 719.
The government has maintained that Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings, as health teams work to prevent further transmission.
