Kenya Logs 10 Days Without New Ebola Case as 46 Contacts Prepare to Leave QuarantineKenya Logs 10 Days Without New Ebola Case as 46 Contacts Prepare to Leave Quarantine
Key Highlights
- Kenya has gone 10 days without a new Ebola infection, and 46 people in quarantine are due to go home on 3 November.
- The 42-day countdown to an outbreak-free declaration has not begun because seven patients are still in isolation.
- Officials expect the release of remaining contacts to finish by 11 November while entry-point surveillance is tightened.
Kenya has recorded no new Ebola infection for 10 days, and 46 people in quarantine are due to complete monitoring and go home on 3 November, the Ministry of Health said on Friday.
The pause is the longest quiet spell since the outbreak began, but it does not yet start the clock that matters. Kenya can only be declared free of the outbreak after a 42-day countdown, and that count cannot begin while patients remain in isolation.
Seven patients still in isolation
The outbreak stands at nine confirmed cases and two deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. Health Director General Patrick Amoth told the ninth Ebola response task force meeting that seven patients remain in isolation. Two have tested negative and await repeat tests after 72 hours, while the other five are stable.
All 135 identified contacts have been traced, nine of them outside Kenya. The first 20 contacts finished the mandatory 21-day monitoring period and went home on 26 October.
Releases to run to 11 November
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the 46 contacts will leave quarantine on 3 November and that others under surveillance could be released over the following two weeks. She said the process is expected to conclude by 11 November, with releases made progressively as each person completes the required period.
Muthoni credited coordinated work by the national government, county administrations and development partners. She urged Kenyans to avoid unnecessary handshakes and hugs and to report suspected cases, and said surveillance at points of entry will be strengthened.
Health workers and the wider stakes
The task force also called for better protection of health workers, including timely supply of protective equipment and closer coordination with county governments. Mwenendo earlier reported that four of the nine patients caught the virus at the bedside while caring for the first one.
The outbreak has also carried a cost for travel. As Mwenendo earlier reported, Kenya downplayed the US Level 3 travel advisory issued during the outbreak, saying it was a caution and not a ban. A clean run through the countdown would be the clearest signal the government could give visitors and event organisers.
Emergencies can be reported to the Ministry of Health toll-free line 719, by dialling *719# or on WhatsApp at 0700 719 719.
In Summary
- What did the ministry announce?
- No new Ebola infection for 10 days; 46 quarantined contacts go home on 3 November.
- Who is still affected?
- Seven patients remain in isolation; two await repeat tests and five are stable.
- When will releases finish?
- The process is expected to conclude by 11 November.
- Why is Kenya not yet outbreak-free?
- The 42-day countdown cannot start while patients remain in isolation.
- Where was it announced?
- At the ninth Ebola response task force meeting on 30 October 2026.