Kenya discharges last Ebola patient as country nears virus-free status

Kenya has reached a significant milestone in its effort to become virus-free, as health officials confirmed the discharge of the country's final Ebola patient on Wednesday. The nation has reported no new confirmed cases of the virus since 20 October. According to health authorities, all Kenyan cases were connected to a single man who had travelled from DR Congo through Uganda, with no evidence found of wider community transmission.

The individuals who recovered after receiving treatment included four healthcare workers. Five patients were discharged on 3 November, a sixth followed three days later, and the final patient was released on Wednesday. Under World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a period of 42 days must elapse after the last patient tests negative and is discharged, or the last victim is safely buried, before an outbreak can be declared over.

The Ebola virus is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or vomit, with an incubation period ranging from two to 21 days. Duale stated that the government will maintain heightened surveillance at border crossings, airports, health facilities, and throughout communities during the 42-day countdown. Emergency response teams remain on alert nationwide, while health authorities continue to monitor travellers arriving from affected nations.

Kenyans returning from regions affected by Ebola must complete electronic health declarations, undergo screening upon arrival, and spend 21 days in quarantine under the supervision of health teams. The minister urged countries that implemented travel and visa restrictions to reconsider them, noting that Kenya has no intention of serving as a quarantine centre for another country. In May, a Kenyan court suspended US plans to open an Ebola quarantine facility for American citizens.

While Kenya has maintained that there is no requirement to restrict domestic travel, trade, or public gatherings, the outbreak has disrupted international travel. Some Gulf countries have introduced restrictions affecting travellers from Kenya and other African nations. Saudi Arabia ceased issuing visas to Kenyan nationals in late October, which caused concern among those seeking employment in the country.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it is lifting its suspension on issuing new visas to Ugandan nationals, easing restrictions that were introduced in June. However, Ugandans must spend at least 21 days outside of Uganda before they are permitted to travel to the UAE. The UAE is also allowing certain students, diplomatic passport holders, and Ugandan embassy employees to enter under approved health procedures.

Uganda, which shares a long and busy border with DR Congo, was among the first countries affected but declared its own Ebola outbreak over on 27 August. The current outbreak in DR Congo was caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, a relatively rare strain for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, though trials are currently under way.