Kenya could be declared Ebola-free in 42 days
Health CS Aden Duale said Kenya will be declared Ebola-free after 42 days without new cases, following WHO protocols.
Kenya could be declared free of Ebola after completing 42 consecutive days without a new case, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said. Health authorities are intensifying surveillance and preparing to release contacts who have finished their mandatory monitoring period. The countdown follows World Health Organization (WHO) protocols and depends on the country recording no further infections.
Duale stated on Citizen TV that the government had traced all identified contacts linked to the outbreak and was conducting regular tests. He reported a 100 per cent contact-tracing rate, exceeding the 85 per cent benchmark. The infections detected so far were linked to known contacts, not wider community transmission. The WHO reported nine confirmed cases in Kenya, including one death, as of October 20.
People who completed the 21-day monitoring period are undergoing final tests and clinical assessments. The incubation period for Ebola ranges from two to 21 days. Nearly 551 people were tested in the preceding 48 hours, with all samples returning negative results. The initial patient died on October 5, with laboratory confirmation announced the following day.
Why it mattersKenya's population will be declared Ebola-free if 42 consecutive days pass without new cases.