NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has released its first 20 Ebola contacts from quarantine after they completed 21 days of monitoring without developing symptoms, marking progress in efforts to contain the outbreak.

The individuals were declared healthy and reunited with their families on Monday, October 26, following medical assessments, according to Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth said the group posed no risk of infection to their families or communities after completing the required monitoring period. He urged the public to welcome those returning home and avoid stigmatising people who had completed quarantine.

“This is a milestone worth celebrating,” Amoth said, while warning that continued vigilance remained necessary.

98 Contacts Remain in Quarantine

Kenya has confirmed nine cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola, including two deaths. The seven surviving patients are receiving treatment and were reported to be stable.

The country’s first confirmed patient died in Nairobi on October 5 after travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda. Eight additional cases were subsequently identified among people linked to the initial patient.

According to the WHO, all eight secondary cases were already under quarantine when they developed symptoms. Health authorities have reported no evidence of wider community transmission.

A further 98 contacts remain in quarantine. Amoth said they are expected to leave in four groups beginning November 3, subject to individual health assessments and completion of the required monitoring period.

The health ministry has continued contact tracing, surveillance and screening at points of entry as part of efforts to prevent further infections.

Regional Authorities Monitor Cross-Border Risks

Kenya’s outbreak has raised concerns about the spread of Ebola across East and Central Africa, particularly following the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Bundibugyo virus disease was reported earlier this year.

Nigeria also confirmed an Ebola case in October. Nigerian authorities have said genomic analysis found a close relationship between the Nigerian case and Kenya’s initial case, although the precise source of infection remains under investigation.

Both patients travelled through Uganda’s Entebbe airport on the same day in early October. However, the shared travel route alone does not establish where or how the Nigerian patient became infected.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through contact tracing, laboratory testing, surveillance, treatment support and public health communication.

Kenyan health officials have stressed that releasing contacts who complete monitoring without symptoms is part of the containment process, not a reason to relax precautions. Authorities are continuing to monitor those still in quarantine while encouraging communities to support people returning home.

Stay connected with AGCNewsNet for more news across Africa.