Kenya has cleared the first 20 contacts of Ebola patients to return home after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms, the Ministry of Health has announced.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the contacts were in good health and posed no risk to their families, colleagues or neighbours.
The Ministry said the remaining 98 contacts would be released in four phases beginning November 3, following individual health assessments.
The development comes three weeks after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola, specifically the Bundibugyo virus disease, on October 6, 2026.
The country has so far recorded nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, translating to a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent. The remaining seven patients are stable and receiving treatment in specialised units.
Genomic sequencing of three samples has established a genetic link to the initial case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Testing of the remaining six samples is ongoing.
Dr Amoth said the release of the first contacts demonstrated that early identification, quarantine and close monitoring were helping to contain the outbreak, but warned that the country could not afford to lower its guard.
He said the contacts had been assessed against established release criteria, including completing 21 days without symptoms since their last exposure.
The Ministry is also providing mental health and psychosocial support to people in quarantine, those returning home, patients and their families, as well as frontline health workers.
Health authorities continue to strengthen infection prevention and control measures in health facilities, train healthcare workers and distribute personal protective equipment. Surveillance and screening remain in place at points of entry, health facilities and communities.
The Ministry said the outbreak would only be declared over after 42 days had elapsed from the last confirmed patient's recovery, discharge or safe burial, following two negative tests conducted at least 48 hours apart.
Travel, trade and public gatherings remain unrestricted, according to the Ministry.
Kenyans experiencing symptoms such as fever, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding have been urged to seek medical attention promptly, particularly if they have had contact with a confirmed case or travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The public can report suspected cases or seek assistance through the Ministry's toll-free number 719 or the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
