Kenya has recorded 18 consecutive days without a new Ebola infection, with six patients recovering and only one remaining under medical care, the Ministry of Health has announced.
In a press statement issued on Friday, November 6, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the country had made significant progress in containing the Bundibugyo virus outbreak, which was first detected on October 6, 2026.
Amoth confirmed that the sixth male patient had recovered and was scheduled for discharge after testing negative for the virus and meeting all the required medical criteria.
"Only one (1) patient remains under care and continues to receive treatment and close monitoring," he stated.
The latest update brings the total number of confirmed infections to nine, with two deaths previously reported during the outbreak.
According to the Ministry, all nine cases were linked to one known chain of transmission, with no evidence of further spread within the community.
The government also reported progress in monitoring people who had come into contact with confirmed patients. A total of 66 contacts had completed their mandatory 21-day monitoring period and returned home, while another 52 were expected to complete their quarantine by November 11.
The Ministry attributed the progress to early detection, isolation, treatment and contact tracing, alongside measures to protect healthcare workers and ensure safe burials.
"These results did not happen by chance. Kenya followed the proven steps that stop Ebola: find every case early, isolate and treat the sick, trace and monitor everyone they came into contact with, protect health workers, and bury the dead safely and with dignity," Amoth explained.
42-Day Countdown Before Kenya Can Be Declared Ebola-Free
Despite the positive developments, the Ministry cautioned that Kenya cannot yet be declared free of the disease.
Amoth explained that the country would only begin the internationally recognised 42-day countdown after the last patient leaves the treatment centre free of the virus.
The period is twice the longest known incubation period of the disease. If no new infection is detected during those 42 days, the outbreak will officially be declared over. "Until that day, we must not let down our guard," the Director-General warned.
The Ministry further urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms associated with Ebola, including fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding.
Members of the public were also advised to report suspected infections and unexplained deaths, avoid contact with bodily fluids of sick people and regularly wash their hands with soap and water.
The government cautioned against handling sick or dead wild animals and consuming their meat, while urging Kenyans to avoid discriminating against recovered patients and individuals released from quarantine.
Kenya Screens More Than 760,000 Travellers
The Ministry revealed that more than 760,000 travellers had been screened at the country's 26 points of entry as part of efforts to prevent further infections.
Emergency operations centres and rapid response teams will also remain on alert across all counties despite the declining number of infections.
Travellers have been asked to complete electronic surveillance forms through the UHAI Chatbot before arrival, declare symptoms truthfully and report any illness within 21 days of entering the country.
Amoth warned that the regional threat remained a concern, noting that Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries could quickly spread across borders.
"Ebola is still active in the region," he stated, adding that Kenya would continue working with neighbouring countries, the East African Community and Africa CDC.
Meanwhile, the government confirmed that Kenya remains open, with no restrictions imposed on travel, trade or public gatherings.
Kenyans can report suspected Ebola cases or seek information by calling the toll-free number 719 or contacting the Jali WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719.
