Kenya releases first 20 Ebola contacts from quarantine after 21 days
They developed no symptoms. Another 98 contacts are due to leave quarantine in four groups from 3 November.
Based on reporting by World Health Organization Africa, Kenyans.co.ke and Reuters via US News.
Map of the 2026 Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, Uganda and Kenya, with data to 6 October 2026. Map: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Wikimedia Commons, public domain
Twenty people who had close contact with Kenya's first Ebola patient left quarantine on Monday after 21 days of monitoring without developing symptoms, the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said they were in good health and returning to their families, and asked communities to "welcome them home warmly". The ministry said they pose no risk to their families, colleagues or neighbours.
Another 98 contacts remain in quarantine. The ministry said they are expected to leave in four groups from 3 November, depending on their health checks.
Kenya has 9 confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease, a type of Ebola, and 2 deaths, according to WHO. All the cases are linked to one group of known contacts, and there is no evidence of the virus spreading in the community. There is no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, but WHO says early care improves the chance of recovery.
WHO advises against travel restrictions. The ministry says counselling and psychosocial support are available to contacts, patients and health workers. Readers should rely on the Ministry of Health for official updates.
