The Ministry of Health has released 20 people who had been in quarantine after coming into contact with Ebola patients, following the completion of their 21-day monitoring period.
In a statement issued on October 26, the ministry said the group was in good health and had met the conditions for release. Another 98 contacts are expected to leave quarantine in four groups starting November 3, depending on their individual health assessments.
Kenya has so far recorded nine confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, including two deaths. The seven patients still in treatment units are stable and continue to receive care, the ministry said.
The first 20 contacts were assessed before being allowed to return to their families. The ministry said they had completed 21 days without symptoms since their last exposure and urged communities to welcome them home.
Six Samples Still Under Testing
Genomic sequencing of three of the nine confirmed cases showed a genetic link to the first case and to the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The ministry said sequencing of the remaining six samples was still underway.
Health authorities are also continuing to monitor people who remain in quarantine and have urged them to follow instructions from health teams, avoid sharing meals and personal items, and report any symptoms immediately.
The ministry said it was providing mental health support to people in quarantine, those returning home, patients, their families and frontline health workers.
Health Teams Continue Surveillance
The ministry said infection prevention measures were being strengthened in health facilities through staff training, appointment of infection prevention focal persons and distribution of personal protective equipment.
Screening and surveillance are also continuing at points of entry, in health facilities and in communities. The ministry said suspected cases were being investigated under the 7-1-7 approach, which aims to detect outbreaks within seven days, notify authorities within one day and respond within seven days.
Kenya will only be declared free of the outbreak after 42 days have passed under the required conditions. The countdown begins when the last confirmed patient has two negative tests taken at least 48 hours apart and is discharged, or after the patient is safely buried.
The ministry said travel, trade and public gatherings were not restricted.
Anyone experiencing fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding should seek medical attention, especially if they may have had contact with a case or travelled to the DRC.
Suspected cases can be reported through the ministry’s toll-free number 719 or the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.