Kenya releases 20 Ebola contacts after 21 days of monitoring
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Capital FM
Kenya has released its first 20 contacts placed under surveillance after exposure to Ebola, all having remained healthy for 21 days. Ninety-eight others remain in quarantine, while the total remains nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, according to Director-General of Health Patrick Amoth.
Kenya released the first 20 contacts monitored after a case of Ebola virus disease was imported, after 21 days of monitoring without symptoms, Director-General of Health Patrick Amoth announced on Monday. The 20 people can return to their families, according to the Ministry of Health.
Ninety-eight other contacts remain in quarantine and are to be released in stages from 3 November, after individual assessments of their health. The total remains nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, while the seven surviving patients are in a stable condition and receiving treatment in dedicated units. Sequencing of three samples established a genetic link with the first case and the Bundibugyo virus lineage observed in the Democratic Republic of Congo; analysis of the other six samples is continuing.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, was confirmed in Kenya on 6 October. Patrick Amoth urged communities to welcome those released without stigmatising them, saying they no longer posed a risk to those around them. The ministry is maintaining surveillance in health facilities, communities and at points of entry, and providing psychosocial support to people in quarantine, patients and their relatives.
The release of this first group follows the announcement on 22 October that the first contacts would leave quarantine on 25 October. Kenya had confirmed nine cases and two deaths in its outbreak tally.
