Six Ebola patients recover as Kenya records 18 days without new infection

NAIROBI,Kenya, Nov 6- Kenya has discharged six patients who had contracted the Ebola virus, with only one remaining under treatment, as the country records 18 consecutive days without a new infection.

The Ministry of Health said Friday that the sixth patient, a male, had tested negative and met all the criteria for discharge, bringing the number of recoveries to six out of nine confirmed cases since the outbreak was reported on October 6, 2026.

In a statement marking Day 32 of the outbreak, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth said the total number of confirmed cases remained at nine, with all infections linked to a single known chain of transmission.

“No new case has been recorded for eighteen (18) days, since 19th October 2026,” Amoth said.

The latest development leaves only one patient under treatment and close monitoring, with health authorities expressing confidence that the containment measures are bringing the outbreak under control.

The Ministry further reported that 66 contacts had completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period and returned home, while another 52 were expected to complete quarantine by November 11.

Dr Amoth attributed the progress to early detection, isolation and treatment of patients, contact tracing, protection of healthcare workers and safe burial practices.

He noted that all individuals who developed symptoms after the initial case had already been under quarantine, preventing further transmission of the virus into the wider community.

Kenya will, however, have to complete a 42-day countdown after the last patient is discharged before the outbreak can officially be declared over, in line with international guidelines.

The countdown is twice the virus’s longest incubation period and will begin once the final patient tests negative and is released from the treatment centre.

Despite the progress, the Ministry cautioned against complacency, noting that Ebola remains active in the region and that infections in neighbouring countries could pose a risk to Kenya.

It said screening would continue at all 26 points of entry, where more than 760,000 travellers have so far been screened, while emergency operations centres and rapid response teams remain on alert across the country.

The Ministry urged Kenyans to seek medical attention early if they experience symptoms including fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.

It also warned against contact with the blood or body fluids of suspected patients, as well as handling bodies of people who die from unexplained illnesses.

Kenya has maintained that it will not impose restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings despite the outbreak.

​Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.