NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has discharged five patients receiving treatment for Ebola after laboratory tests confirmed they had cleared the virus, leaving two others in hospital as authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
The five male patients were released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after completing treatment and testing negative for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. Two were treated at Kenyatta National Hospital, while three received care at Nairobi Hospital.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health said the recoveries were an encouraging development in the country’s response. However, officials stressed that the outbreak was not yet over and that surveillance and containment measures would remain in place.
Two Ebola Patients Remain Hospitalized
The discharge of the five patients leaves two people receiving treatment in Nairobi hospitals, with one patient at each facility.
Health officials said the remaining patients would be released after meeting the established medical criteria.
Kenya has recorded nine confirmed Ebola cases, including two deaths, since the outbreak reached the country. All confirmed infections have been linked to a single cluster associated with the first imported case.
The Ministry of Health reported that no new infections had been recorded since October 19, suggesting that efforts to contain transmission have continued to make progress.
46 More Contacts Released From Quarantine
Alongside the five patient discharges, Kenyan authorities released another 46 people who had been identified as contacts of the first Ebola patient.
The individuals completed the required 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms and were allowed to return to their families.
They joined 20 contacts who had previously completed quarantine, bringing the total number released to 66.
A further 52 contacts remain under monitoring and are expected to complete their quarantine period by November 11, provided they remain symptom-free.
Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said individuals who complete the monitoring period without developing symptoms do not pose a risk of transmitting the disease. He also appealed to families, employers and communities to welcome those released without discrimination or stigma.
Kenya Maintains Ebola Surveillance Measures
Despite the absence of new infections since October 19, health authorities have warned against assuming that the outbreak has ended.
The Ministry of Health explained that a formal declaration ending the outbreak will require a 42-day period without new cases after the final patient’s recovery or death, in accordance with established Ebola monitoring procedures.
Until that period is completed, Kenya will maintain heightened surveillance, contact tracing and other public health measures.
The government has also urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to seek medical attention immediately rather than delay treatment.
Officials say continued public cooperation is essential to identifying possible infections quickly and preventing further transmission.
Travel Concerns Emerge Over Ebola Outbreak
The outbreak has also raised concerns about international travel involving Kenya.
The Ministry of Health acknowledged travel measures recently announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in response to the situation.
Kenyan officials said the government would continue to follow scientific evidence and the International Health Regulations when addressing public health risks affecting international travel.
The ministry maintained that Kenya remained open for business, with no domestic restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings.
Authorities have also continued sharing outbreak information through international health channels while engaging with countries that have introduced additional travel measures.
Recovery Marks Progress but Outbreak Is Not Over
The discharge of five patients represents an important development in Kenya’s efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak. However, the two remaining hospitalized patients and 52 people still completing quarantine monitoring mean that public health authorities must continue their response.
The government is expected to maintain surveillance until the required 42-day period has been completed without another confirmed case.
For now, health officials are urging the public to remain vigilant, seek medical attention when necessary and avoid stigmatizing recovered patients or people who have completed quarantine.
Swifteradio.com
