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 a mandatory 21-day monitoring period.

The World Health Organisation, in a statement on Wednesday, said the people were discharged on Monday.

Noting that another 98 contacts remained in quarantine, WHO said there was 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,” it stated.

Patrick Amoth, Kenya’s director-general for health, urged communities to welcome them home warmly.

“Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone,” Mr Amoth stated.

The WHO representative to Kenya, Rusibamayila Kimambo, explained that people who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country.

Kenya confirmed its first Ebola case on October 5. The country’s index patient died after falling ill in the DR Congo for a month.

Ms Kimambo commended the health ministry, Kenya’s National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding quickly to every new case.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenya in all aspects of Ebola response, including coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, health screening at points of entry, risk communication and community engagement.

Noting that no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists for Bundibugyo virus disease, WHO restated that early detection and supportive care improve chances of recovery.

Meanwhile, WHO said it launched “a crucial clinical trial” in the DRC on Friday to determine whether vaccines could protect against the disease.

WHO director of science for health, Meg Doherty, noted that the trial was designed to evaluate several vaccine candidates within one research framework, using a strategy called the ring vaccination approach involving contacts of people with a confirmed case of Ebola.

Tumaini actually means ‘hope’ in Swahili, and is giving us some hope,” she added.