Kenya Discharges Last Ebola Patient, Starts 42-Day Countdown to Ebola-Free Status

Kenya has discharged its last Ebola patient, health authorities announced, marking a significant step toward ending the outbreak. The patient was released from a treatment center, and the country has now begun a 42-day countdown to be officially declared Ebola-free, contingent on no new cases being recorded.

The 42-day period is twice the maximum incubation period of the Ebola virus, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Kenya has been battling an Ebola outbreak in recent months, with efforts focused on contact tracing, isolation, and public awareness. Health officials have not yet released specific figures on the total number of cases or deaths.

If no new cases emerge during the countdown, Kenya will join the list of countries that have successfully contained Ebola outbreaks. The milestone comes amid global efforts to strengthen health systems and prevent future outbreaks. International health organizations have praised Kenya's response, but officials caution that vigilance must continue until the country is officially declared Ebola-free.