All seven surviving patients have recovered, while the 135 identified contacts have completed monitoring, leaving Kenya with no active cases or people in quarantine
Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya has discharged its final Ebola patient, clearing the way for a 42-day countdown toward an official declaration that the country is free of the disease.
Last patient and contacts released
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced on Nov. 11 that the last patient had recovered and left the treatment facility. The final 11 people under contact monitoring were also released after completing their follow-up period.
The countdown began on Nov. 12. If no new infections are detected during the 42 days, Kenya is expected to be declared Ebola-free on Dec. 23, 2026.
How the outbreak unfolded
The country confirmed its first case on Oct. 6, involving a Kenyan man who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through Uganda.
The outbreak resulted in nine confirmed infections and two deaths. The other seven patients recovered, including four health care workers who contracted the virus while caring for patients.
Contained within one cluster
Health authorities identified and monitored 135 people who had been in contact with the initial case. All subsequent infections were detected among people already in quarantine, and officials reported no evidence of transmission beyond the original cluster.
The last confirmed case was recorded on Oct. 19.
Surveillance continues
Despite the milestone, the government says its response will continue throughout the countdown. Surveillance teams will remain active across counties, health facilities and communities, while screening and monitoring will continue at airports and other points of entry.
WHO praises Kenya’s response
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Kenya’s response, highlighting contact tracing, early detection and coordination among health workers and government agencies.
However, the agency has cautioned that vigilance remains necessary until the 42-day period is complete.
