Kenya confirms nine Ebola cases
The government expects the outbreak to be declared over in less than two months if containment efforts hold.
Kenya has confirmed nine cases of Ebola and two deaths since announcing its first case three weeks ago. The government has trained nearly 5,000 healthcare workers to manage the disease. The first 20 contacts of the initial patient have been released from quarantine.
Health Director-General Patrick Amoth stated that the focus remains on reaching the end of the outbreak, describing the release of quarantined individuals as a "milestone worth celebrating". The outbreak will only be declared over 42 days after the last confirmed patient tests negative twice.
Officials anticipate the outbreak could be declared over in under two months, provided no new cases emerge. This projection depends on the status of the 98 individuals still in quarantine, who are due for release next week. The UN has provided millions to support Kenya's fight against Ebola.
Why it mattersKenya's health system is managing an Ebola outbreak, affecting nine individuals and leading to two deaths.