20 Ebola contacts leave quarantine as MoH warns outbreak not yet contained

In a press release on Monday, October 26, 2026, Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said the contacts were assessed and found to be in good health, allowing them to return to their families.

The Ministry of Health said the remaining 98 contacts are expected to be released in four groups beginning November 3, depending on their individual health assessments.

Amoth urged communities to welcome those released from quarantine, saying they no longer posed a risk to their families, colleagues or neighbours.

The release comes three weeks after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Ebola 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 seven patients still in treatment units are stable and continue to receive medical care, according to the ministry.

Genomic sequencing of three samples has established a genetic link to the first case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Sequencing of the remaining six samples is ongoing.

The ministry said it was also providing mental health and psychosocial support to people in quarantine, those returning home, patients and their families, as well as healthcare workers involved in the response.

It has also intensified infection prevention and control measures in health facilities through assessments, staff training, the appointment of infection prevention focal persons and the distribution of personal protective equipment.

Surveillance and screening are ongoing at points of entry, health facilities and in communities, with all alerts investigated promptly.

The ministry said it was following the 7-1-7 approach, which requires outbreaks to be detected within seven days, reported within one day and responded to within seven days.

Despite the release of the first group of contacts, the ministry warned that the outbreak had not yet been contained and urged Kenyans to remain vigilant.

The outbreak will only be declared over after 42 days have elapsed from the point when the last confirmed patient has had two negative tests taken at least 48 hours apart and is discharged, or is safely buried.

The government said travel, trade and public gatherings remain unrestricted.

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 suspected case or travelled to the DRC.

Those seeking assistance or wishing to report a suspected case can call the Ministry of Health’s toll-free number 719 or use the Jali WhatsApp chatbot.