The Ministry of Health has called for increased vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines following the confirmation of two new Mpox cases in the country, bringing the total number of cases to 31 since the outbreak began. In a statement on Monday, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed that the newly reported cases were from Nakuru and Mombasa counties, regions already identified as hotspots in the ongoing outbreak.
Mpox, a viral disease that is similar to smallpox, has now been reported in 12 counties, with Nakuru leading the tally with 10 cases, followed by Mombasa with 8, and Nairobi with 2 cases. The confirmed cases have raised concerns, especially with the festive season in full swing, as the potential for further spread becomes more imminent due to increased travel and gatherings.
The Ministry has been actively tracking contacts of confirmed cases, identifying a total of 217 individuals, of whom 204 have been monitored for 21 days. Out of these, 9 contacts tested positive for Mpox, while 4 are still under observation. With the rising numbers, the Public Health Ministry has intensified its efforts to contain the outbreak, deploying a multidisciplinary rapid response team to hotspot counties. This team is responsible for conducting active case searches, contact tracing, investigations, and providing symptomatic care to confirmed cases. Mental health and psychosocial support are also being offered to those affected, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to health management.
To complement these efforts, health authorities have been conducting extensive screening of travelers. As of now, over 2.6 million travelers have been screened at the country’s Points of Entry. Suspected cases are being isolated and tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and other partner laboratories. To date, 351 samples have been tested, with 31 of those returning positive results, translating to a positivity rate of 8.8%.
The Ministry has also placed significant emphasis on risk communication and public education. Ongoing community engagement initiatives aim to inform the public about Mpox prevention and control measures, encouraging early detection and proper medical intervention.
PS Muthoni has urged Kenyans to remain alert to the symptoms of Mpox, which include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. People experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility. The Ministry continues to stress the importance of following health guidelines to curb the spread of Mpox, especially during the high-traffic festive season.
As Kenya works to manage this outbreak, public cooperation remains key in preventing further spread and ensuring public health safety.
