Kenya begins 42-day Ebola countdown
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Independent
Kenya began a 42-day countdown on Thursday before a possible declaration that the Ebola outbreak has ended, after the last patient was discharged and 11 people were released from quarantine. If no new case emerges, the country could be declared free of Bundibugyo virus on 23 December, according to Health Minister Aden Duale.
Kenya released 11 people from quarantine after the last patient with Bundibugyo virus disease was discharged from hospital, allowing the launch of a 42-day countdown before a possible declaration that the outbreak has ended, according to The Independent, citing the URN agency. The last patient was discharged on Wednesday and the countdown began on Thursday. Kenyan Health Minister Aden Duale said Kenya could be declared free of the disease on 23 December if no new cases are recorded.
The countdown corresponds to twice the virus’s longest known incubation period. The World Health Organisation (WHO) called on authorities to maintain surveillance, screening in health facilities, laboratory capacities and preparedness among health workers. Aden Duale added that rapid response teams would remain on alert and that any report of a possible case would be investigated.
Kenya has recorded nine cases in total since the first case was confirmed on 6 October, including seven recoveries and two deaths, according to the WHO. The last case was confirmed on 19 October and no new cases have been reported since.
The announcement comes after WHO support for the 42-day countdown, published on 10 November, and Kenya’s goal of ending Ebola on 23 December, published on 11 November.
