Ebola: First batch of contacts to leave quarantine facilities on Sunday

The exercise would be supported by the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI).

Speaking from the Ministry of Health (MOH) headquarters in Nairobi, Amoth expressed optimism that the outbreak would be declared over if the disease was contained.

“And if the situation obtains, we’ll very soon start our countdown, the 42 days, to determine that the outbreak is over,” Amoth said on Thursday.

He said the cases were just clustered around the imported case, and no community transmission had been identified.

“We are not out of the woods, but we want to assure you to remain calm, remain vigilant. Don't panic.  There's no need for panic,” Amoth urged the public.

He thanked the team led by the acting CEO of the National Public Health Institute, Dr. Kamene Kimenye Mariita, for the efforts he has put in to manage the disease.

The MoH had on Sunday said they had identified a ninth case, and all patients were under stable care and receiving treatment under close observation.

“Our patients are improving and responding well to treatment,” Dr. Amoth said.

The ministry also confirmed receipt of 500 doses of medicines to support the treatment of confirmed cases.

He noted that the Ministry had traced and quarantined 134 of the 135 contacts identified in connection with the outbreak, representing 99.3 per cent.