Kenya Begins 42-Day Countdown After Last Ebola Patient Recovers

Kenya’s final Ebola patient has been released, starting a 42-day countdown before the nation is deemed Ebola-free.

On Wednesday, November 11, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale made the announcement, stating that no new infections had been reported in the nation since October 19.

Since a man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) tested positive for Ebola in early October and subsequently passed away, Kenya has reported nine cases of the disease.

The initial patient’s contacts were involved in the remaining eight cases. Seven of them recovered, and one of them passed away.

According to the Health Ministry, the final 11 individuals who had come into contact with confirmed cases were released from quarantine at the same time as the last patient was discharged.

However, as part of efforts to stop additional transmission, Kenya will impose a 21-day quarantine on citizens coming from the DRC, according to Duale.

The Kenyan outbreak was connected to a larger Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where over 11,000 cases have been confirmed, making it the second-largest outbreak ever documented.

Additionally, four countries in eastern, central, and western Africa have reported cases of Ebola, which is the largest geographic outbreak on the continent to date.

Before Kenya can be deemed free of the outbreak, there must be no new confirmed cases for 42 days.

We’re delighted for the people of Kenya as the country moves closer to being declared Ebola-free. We hope everyone continues to take precautions, maintain good hygiene, and follow public health guidance to protect their communities.