Kenya says 46 Ebola contacts go home on 3 November; releases expected to end by 11 November

Kenya's Ministry of Health said on 30 October that 46 Ebola contacts in quarantine are due to finish their monitoring and go home on 3 November, and that the release of the remaining contacts should conclude by 11 November.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki gave the dates at the ninth Ebola response task force meeting, the Kenyan news site Kenyans.co.ke reported. Contacts who complete the required monitoring period are expected to be released progressively.

On 26 October the first 20 contacts of Kenya's first Ebola case went home after 21 days of monitoring. The WHO Regional Office for Africa said 98 contacts remained in quarantine, and Reuters reported they would be released in four waves starting 3 November.

Director General for Health Patrick Amoth said on 26 October: "We ask communities to welcome them home warmly."

The ministry said Kenya has gone 10 days without a new Ebola infection. The country has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths. WHO said on 26 October that all nine cases are part of one connected group.

Seven patients are in isolation. Amoth said two of them have tested negative and are awaiting repeat tests after 72 hours, and the other five are in stable condition.

Kenya is waiting to start the 42-day period required before it can be declared free of the outbreak. The count can begin only once all active infections have cleared.

All 135 identified contacts have been traced, including nine outside Kenya.

Muriuki urged Kenyans to avoid unnecessary handshakes and hugs, stay alert and report suspected cases. The task force also called for better protection for health workers, including timely supply of protective equipment.

Ebola emergencies can be reported to the Ministry of Health on the toll-free line 719, on *719# or by WhatsApp on 0700 719 719.