Kenya has revealed what must happen before the country can officially be declared free of Ebola after going 18 consecutive days without recording a new infection.
In a statement released on Friday, November 6, the Ministry of Health said the country must first complete a 42-day countdown after the last patient is discharged from the treatment centre.
The countdown will begin once the final patient leaves the facility free of the virus. If no new infection is reported during the period, Kenya will officially be declared Ebola-free.
“The outbreak will end in a clear, internationally agreed way. When the last patient leaves the treatment centre free of the virus, Kenya will begin a 42-day countdown,” Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth stated.
The update comes as Kenya continues to make progress in containing the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak, which was first reported on October 6, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the country has recorded nine confirmed cases, all linked to one known chain of transmission, with no spread in the community.
Six patients have now recovered, with the latest male patient scheduled for discharge on Friday after testing negative and meeting all the required medical criteria.
Only one patient remains under treatment and continues to receive close medical monitoring.
The Ministry also revealed that 66 people who had been in contact with infected persons had completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period and returned home.
Another 52 contacts are expected to complete quarantine by November 11, 2026.
The government attributed the progress to early detection, isolation of patients, treatment, contact tracing and the protection of healthcare workers.
“Every person who fell ill after the first case was already under quarantine, which meant the virus had nowhere to go,” Amoth said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry disclosed that more than 760,000 travellers had been screened at 26 points of entry as part of measures to prevent further infections.
Screening will continue alongside surveillance activities and rapid response teams deployed across all counties.
Travellers have also been urged to complete the electronic traveller surveillance form through the UHAI Chatbot before arrival and report any illness within 21 days of entering the country.
Despite the outbreak, the government maintained that Kenya remains open, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
However, the Ministry warned that the country must remain alert because Ebola is still active in the region.
“Ebola is still active in the region, and outbreaks in one country can quickly reach another,” Amoth cautioned.
Kenyans have been urged to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
The Ministry also urged the public to avoid contact with the body fluids of infected persons, report suspected cases and welcome recovered patients without discrimination.
Members of the public can report suspected cases through the toll-free number 719 or the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
