Kenya begins 42 day countdown to declare Ebola outbreak over

Kenya discharged its final Ebola patient on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in the country's efforts to contain the virus.

Health Minister Aden Duale confirmed that seven patients have recovered from the disease and all 135 identified contacts have finished their 21 days of isolation. The nation now begins a 42 day period required by World Health Organization guidelines before it can officially be declared Ebola free.

The outbreak in Kenya began in early October when a businessman died shortly after arriving in Nairobi from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health officials reported no evidence of wider community transmission, as all local cases were linked to that single traveler. Among those who recovered from the virus were four healthcare workers. The Kenyan government will maintain high surveillance at airports, border crossings, and health facilities during the final countdown.

Officials continue to monitor travelers from affected regions and require Kenyans returning from those areas to complete electronic health declarations and undergo 21 days of quarantine. Minister Duale urged other countries to reconsider travel and visa restrictions on Kenya. He stated that the country has no plans to serve as a quarantine center for other nations and maintains that there is no need to restrict domestic travel or public gatherings.