The Kenyan government has announced the discharge of five Ebola patients who were being treated for the Bundibugyo virus disease. The patients, all male, were being treated at Kenyatta National Hospital and Nairobi Hospital. They completed treatment and tested negative for the virus, according to the Ministry of Health. This development brings the total number of recovered patients to seven, out of nine confirmed cases.
In addition to the discharge of the five patients, 46 contacts have completed their monitoring period and have been released from quarantine. These contacts, who were being monitored for 21 days, did not develop any symptoms and pose no risk to anyone. The Ministry of Health reported that 20 contacts were released on October 25, 2026, and the remaining 52 contacts are expected to be released by November 11, 2026.
According to Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Health Director General, the total number of confirmed cases remains nine, with two deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 22.2%. No new cases have been recorded since October 19, 2026. Dr. Amoth emphasized that all confirmed cases belong to a single cluster linked to the first imported case, and there is no community transmission of the disease.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that the government will continue to rely on scientific evidence and the International Health Regulations (2005) in managing the outbreak. Kenya remains open for business, with no domestic restrictions on travel, trade, or public gatherings. However, the ministry acknowledged travel measures recently announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait concerning travel involving Kenya.
The government has shared outbreak data with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait through International Health Regulations channels and requested the public health justification for the measures. Diplomatic engagement is ongoing, and the ministry maintains that Kenya remains open for business. The Ministry of Health continues to appeal to anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of Ebola to come forward and seek medical evaluation immediately.
Despite the progress made, the Ministry of Health has cautioned that the outbreak cannot yet be declared over. A 42-day countdown will begin once the final patient has recovered or been laid to rest, and the outbreak will be declared over only if no new case is recorded during that period. Heightened surveillance will continue as health authorities monitor the situation.
The Ministry of Health has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperative in bringing the outbreak to an end. Members of the public can call the toll-free number 719 or send an alert through the Ministry of Health's WhatsApp chatbot on 0700 719 719. The ministry emphasized that early treatment is critical to survival and preventing further transmission.
Key points
- Five Ebola patients have been discharged, and 46 contacts have completed their monitoring period and been released from quarantine.
- The total number of confirmed cases remains nine, with two deaths, and no new cases have been recorded since October 19, 2026.
- Kenya remains open for business, with no domestic restrictions on travel, trade, or public gatherings, but travel measures have been announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
