Five Ebola Patients Discharged in Kenya
Five patients who tested positive for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus have been discharged after completing treatment and testing negative for the disease, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s response to the Ebola outbreak.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that out of the five patients, two were treated at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and three at The Nairobi Hospital, were cleared to return home after laboratory tests confirmed they had recovered.
"The patients had completed treatment and remained free of symptoms before being discharged," MOH said.
Another 46 contacts who completed their 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms have also been released from quarantine and reunited with their families.
This brings the total number of contacts discharged to 66, following the release of 20 others on October 25.
The ministry said the remaining 52 contacts are expected to complete quarantine and return home by November 11, provided they remain symptom-free.
It reassured the public that contacts who complete the monitoring period without developing symptoms cannot transmit the disease.
"The ministry urges families, employers and communities to receive those discharged with dignity and compassion," MOH said as it warned against stigma and discrimination.
The latest developments come as Kenya continues to monitor the outbreak, with the total number of confirmed cases remaining at nine, including two deaths.
The case fatality rate stands at 22.2 per cent, according to the ministry.
No new infection has been recorded since October 19, with all confirmed cases linked to a single cluster originating from the first imported case, adding that there was no community transmission of the disease.
Two patients, one at KNH and another at The Nairobi Hospital, remain under treatment and will be discharged once they meet the established medical criteria.
Despite the progress, health authorities cautioned that the outbreak had not yet been declared over.
The ministry said a 42-day countdown would begin after the last patient had either recovered or died, with the outbreak declared over only if no new case was detected during that period.
Meanwhile, heightened surveillance and other public health measures will continue; the ministry also addressed travel restrictions recently announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in relation to travel to and from Kenya.
It said the government was engaging the two countries through established diplomatic and International Health Regulations channels to seek clarification on the scientific basis of the measures.
The ministry maintained that Kenya remained open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
It urged the public to remain vigilant, follow official health guidance and support those recovering from the disease as the country works towards ending the outbreak.