Kenya has initiated a 42-day countdown to being declared free of Ebola after its last patient was discharged from hospital. The countdown began Thursday, following the patient's release. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that if no new cases are recorded, Kenya could be declared free of Bundibugyo virus disease on 23 December. This 42-day period is twice the virus's longest known incubation period.
The last patient was discharged after recovering from Ebola, and 11 people were released from quarantine. Kenya confirmed its first case on October 6, when a Kenyan man tested positive after traveling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Uganda and arriving in Nairobi by air on 3 October. He later died at a Nairobi hospital. Contact tracing identified 135 people who had been in close contact with him in Kenya and abroad.
Eight people tested positive, including four family members and four health workers who had cared for the patient before Ebola was suspected. All were already in quarantine when they became ill, and the virus did not spread beyond the cluster. Kenya recorded nine cases in total. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), seven patients recovered, and two died.
The last case was confirmed on 19 October, and no new cases have been reported since. The WHO congratulated Kenya on the milestone but urged authorities to remain vigilant. They recommended continuing disease surveillance, screening patients at health facilities, strengthening laboratory capacity, and keeping health workers prepared to respond quickly to any new cases.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that the countdown is not the end of their response. Rapid-response teams will remain on alert, and every report of a possible case will be investigated. This approach aims to ensure that Kenya can quickly respond to any potential new cases and maintain its progress toward being declared Ebola-free.
The WHO's warning highlights the importance of sustained vigilance in preventing the spread of Ebola. Kenya's experience with the virus has shown that swift action and effective contact tracing can contain outbreaks. The country's health authorities will continue to work to ensure that the virus does not spread again.
Survivors of Ebola will continue to receive follow-up care and support. This care is crucial in helping them recover from the disease and addressing any long-term health effects. With continued vigilance and support, Kenya aims to successfully complete its 42-day countdown and be declared Ebola-free.
Key points
- Kenya starts 42-day Ebola-free countdown after last patient discharged
- No new Ebola cases reported in Kenya since 19 October
- WHO urges Kenya to remain vigilant to prevent Ebola spread
