Five patients who tested positive for Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) have been discharged from hospital after completing treatment and testing negative for the virus.

The Ministry of Health said the five male patients, two from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and three from The Nairobi Hospital, were discharged, Tuesday, after laboratory tests confirmed they had cleared the virus.

In a statement signed by Director General, Dr. Patrick Amoth, the Ministry has also announced that 46 contacts who completed their monitoring period in good health had been released from quarantine and reunited with their families.

The releases bring to 66 the number of contacts, who have completed monitoring, including 20 who returned home on October 25. Another 52 contacts are expected to be released by November 11, upon completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period since their last exposure.

The DG added that any individuals who complete quarantine without developing symptoms, cannot transmit the disease and pose no risk to the public.

Dr Amoth said the recoveries and releases were encouraging milestones in the country’s response to the outbreak, while cautioning that surveillance and other containment measures would continue.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases, including two deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 22.2 percent. No new cases have been reported since October 19.

All confirmed cases belong to a single cluster linked to the first imported case, with no evidence of community transmission.

Two patients, one at KNH and another at The Nairobi Hospital, remain under treatment and will be discharged after meeting the established medical criteria.

The Ministry said the outbreak would be declared over only after 42 days had elapsed without a new case, following the recovery or death of the final patient.

DG urged families, employers and communities, to welcome discharged patients and released contacts with dignity and compassion, and to avoid stigma.

Dr. Amoth also addressed recent travel measures announced by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, saying Kenya would continue to follow scientific evidence and the International Health Regulations (2005) in responding to the outbreak.

“Kenya remains open for business, with no restrictions on travel, trade or public gatherings”, said the statement.

Members of the public experiencing symptoms suggestive of Ebola were urged to seek medical attention immediately or call the toll-free number 719. Alerts can also be sent through WhatsApp on 0700 719 719.

By Wangari Ndirangu