Twenty people associated with Kenya's first case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease have been reunited with their families after being released from quarantine following completion of the mandatory 21-day monitoring period.
The contacts were discharged on Monday, according to the UN World Health Organization ( WHO ), which has been assisting the Kenyan authorities with Ebola preparedness since the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared an outbreak on 15 May.
Another 98 contacts remain in quarantine.
No risk to the community
The people who are now back at home remained asymptomatic during quarantine and underwent standard protocols, including a final health assessment, counselling on post-discharge precautions and follow-up where required before being released.
"We ask communities to welcome them home warmly," said Dr Patrick Amoth, Kenya's director general for health. "Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone."
The WHO representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, echoed his message.
"People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country," she said.
