The Ministry of Health has confirmed the recovery and discharge of the first five patients who tested positive for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus.

The ministry approved their discharge on Tuesday, November 3, after they completed treatment, remained symptom-free, and underwent laboratory tests confirming they had cleared the virus.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the ministry treated two of the men at Kenyatta National Hospital and the other three at Nairobi Hospital.

“Five (5) male patients, two (2) from the Kenyatta National Hospital and three (3) from the Nairobi Hospital, have completed their treatment, have been free of symptoms, and are being discharged today, Tuesday, 3rd November 2026, after laboratory tests confirmed that they have cleared the virus,” the statement read.

The development comes as 46 people who had been under monitoring after coming into contact with confirmed patients have also been released.

The ministry said the individuals completed the required observation period without developing symptoms and have been allowed to reunite with their families.

Health authorities emphasised that individuals who complete the monitoring period without showing symptoms no longer pose a risk of transmitting the disease.

“Every patient and contact goes home only after meeting a strict public health criterion and will receive psychosocial support from our multi-disciplinary team of health experts. We ask families, employers, neighbours and communities to welcome them home warmly, treat them with respect, dignity and compassion and shun stigma,” the ministry added.

The releases come just over a week after another 20 contacts who completed quarantine returned home on October 25.

Currently, the Ministry said 52 other contacts remain under observation and are expected to leave quarantine by Wednesday, November 11, after completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period.

Kenya’s confirmed Ebola infections remain at nine, including two deaths, with no additional cases reported since October 19.

Meanwhile, the two remaining Ebola patients, one at KNH and the other at Nairobi Hospital, are still receiving treatment and will be discharged once they satisfy the required medical conditions.

“These milestones bring us closer to the end of the outbreak but are not the end itself. Once our final patient has recovered or been laid to rest with full dignity and care, Kenya will begin a 42-day countdown , and the outbreak will be declared over only if no new case is recorded in that period. Until then, heightened surveillance continues without pause,” the ministry said.

Kenyans seeking assistance or reporting Ebola-related emergencies have been advised to contact the Ministry of Health by calling 719, dialling *719# or sending a WhatsApp message to 0700 719 719.