Kenya aims to end Ebola outbreak on 23 December
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tuko
Kenya has discharged its last Ebola patient and the last 11 contacts placed in quarantine. The 42-day countdown begins on 12 November, with an end-of-outbreak declaration possible on 23 December if no new cases emerge, according to Health Minister Aden Duale.
Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale announced that the seven patients who contracted Ebola virus disease in Kenya had now recovered, while two people have died since the start of the outbreak. The last patient still in hospital was allowed to return home on 11 November, the Health Ministry said.
The last 11 contacts placed in quarantine have also completed their monitoring period in good health. The 42-day countdown is due to begin on 12 November, twice the virus’s longest incubation period. Kenya could be declared free of Ebola around 23 December if no new cases are recorded, according to Aden Duale.
Surveillance will nevertheless continue across the country’s 47 counties. Rapid response teams will remain mobilised, while health facilities, communities and points of entry will continue to report and screen suspected cases.
The development comes after the discharge of five recovered patients and 46 contacts from quarantine announced on 4 November as part of Kenya’s response to the outbreak. five recovered patients and 46 contacts released from quarantine had then marked a new stage in health monitoring.
