The Ministry of Health has announced that Kenya has recorded 10 consecutive days without a new Ebola infection, signalling progress in containing an outbreak that has so far claimed two lives and resulted in nine confirmed cases.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni made the announcement on Friday, October 30, crediting the progress to coordinated efforts involving the national government, county administrations and development partners.
Speaking during the ninth Ebola response task force meeting, Muthoni disclosed that 46 people currently under quarantine were expected to complete their mandatory monitoring period and return home on November 3.
She added that the remaining individuals being monitored were also responding positively to surveillance and care, with their release expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
“Those completing the required monitoring period are expected to be progressively released, with the process expected to conclude by November 11,” the PS stated.
Meanwhile, Health Director General Patrick Amoth revealed that two of the seven patients receiving treatment in isolation had tested negative for Ebola.
The two patients were awaiting repeat tests after 72 hours to establish whether they had fully recovered, while the other five remained in stable condition under close medical supervision.
The ministry also confirmed that health officials had successfully traced all 135 identified contacts, including nine individuals located outside Kenya.
Of these, the first 20 people completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period and were cleared to return home on October 26.
Despite the progress, health authorities have cautioned that Kenya must maintain heightened surveillance as it works towards ending the outbreak.
The country must complete 42 consecutive days without a new infection before it can officially be declared Ebola-free. However, the countdown can only begin after all active infections have been cleared.
Muthoni urged members of the public to continue observing preventive measures, including avoiding unnecessary handshakes and hugs, staying alert to their surroundings and promptly reporting suspected infections to health authorities.
The government has also pledged to strengthen disease surveillance, particularly at border crossings and other points of entry, to minimise the risk of importing additional infections.
During the meeting, the task force further emphasised the need to safeguard healthcare workers by ensuring timely supplies of essential protective equipment and improving coordination between the national government and county administrations.
Members of the public have been advised to report Ebola-related emergencies through the Ministry of Health's toll-free number 719, by dialling *719# or sending a WhatsApp message to 0700 719 719.
