Kenya has discharged its first five patients who tested positive for the Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) outbreak after completing treatment and testing negative for the disease, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to contain the virus.
In a press release dated Tuesday, November 3, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the five male patients had recovered after receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and The Nairobi Hospital.
Two of the patients were treated at KNH, while the other three were admitted to The Nairobi Hospital.
The Ministry said laboratory tests had confirmed that all five patients had cleared the virus and were free of symptoms before being discharged.
Their recovery leaves only two confirmed patients receiving treatment in the country, one at each of the two hospitals.
The latest development comes as the government continues to monitor individuals who came into contact with confirmed Ebola patients.
46 More Contacts Released from Quarantine
The Ministry also announced that 46 additional contacts had completed their mandatory monitoring period and were released from quarantine after remaining in good health.
The latest group joins 20 contacts who were discharged from quarantine on October 25, bringing the total number of people released to 66.
According to the Ministry, the remaining 52 contacts are expected to complete their 21-day monitoring period and return home by November 11.
The government explained that individuals who complete the required quarantine period without developing symptoms cannot transmit the disease and pose no risk to the public.
It also urged families, employers and communities to welcome those returning home without discrimination or stigma.
"Every patient and contact goes home only after meeting a strict public health criterion and will receive psychosocial support from our multi-disciplinary team of health experts," the Ministry stated.
Kenya Records No New Ebola Cases Since October 19
Despite the latest recoveries, Kenya's confirmed Ebola cases remain at nine, including two deaths, translating to a case fatality rate of 22.2 per cent.
The Ministry disclosed that no new infection had been reported since October 19, adding that all confirmed cases belonged to a single cluster linked to the first imported infection. It further maintained that there was no evidence of community transmission.
The two patients still receiving treatment will be discharged once they meet the established medical criteria.
The government, however, cautioned that the recovery of the five patients did not mean the outbreak had officially ended. Director General for Health Patrick Amoth explained that Kenya would begin a 42-day countdown after the final patient recovers or dies.
The outbreak will only be declared over if no additional infection is recorded throughout that period. "Until then, heightened surveillance continues without pause," the Ministry stated.
Kenya Responds to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Travel Measures
The Ministry also addressed travel restrictions recently announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in connection with the Ebola outbreak.
It said Kenya would continue relying on scientific evidence and the International Health Regulations (2005) when determining appropriate public health measures.
The government revealed that it had shared outbreak data with the two countries through established international health channels and requested explanations for the measures imposed. "Kenya remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings," the Ministry stated.
Meanwhile, Kenyans experiencing symptoms suggestive of Ebola have been urged to seek medical attention immediately.
The Ministry warned that early medical evaluation was critical to improving survival chances and preventing further infections.
Members of the public can report suspected cases by calling the toll-free number 719 or sending alerts through the Ministry's WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
