Kenya has reported two new cases of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in Mombasa County, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 26. The Ministry of Health confirmed the new cases within the last 24 hours, underlining the continued vigilance required to address the outbreak, which has now spread across 12 counties.
The Mpox cases in Kenya have been distributed as follows: Nakuru has the highest number with 7 confirmed cases, followed by Mombasa with 6. Nairobi and Kajiado have each reported two cases, while Bungoma has seen two as well. Other counties such as Taita Taveta, Busia, Makueni, Kericho, Kilifi, Kiambu, and Uasin Gishu have all reported one case each.
As the number of cases continues to rise, the government has confirmed that the outbreak has resulted in one death. However, the good news is that 16 individuals have recovered, reflecting a 61.5% recovery rate. Seven people remain hospitalized, and two others are currently in self-isolation, closely monitored for further developments.
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that measures are being taken to combat the spread of the disease. Active case finding and contact tracing have been strengthened, with authorities reporting that a total of 204 contacts have been identified. Out of these, 143 have been followed up for 21 days, five of whom tested positive for Mpox. Another 55 contacts are under follow-up, while three people have been lost to follow-up.
This heightened surveillance is part of the national effort to contain the virus. Additionally, screening at the Points of Entry (PoEs) across Kenya has been significantly improved. To date, a total of 2,149,747 travelers have been screened at 26 PoEs. In the last 24 hours alone, 18,000 travelers have been screened, a figure that highlights the importance of monitoring international movements to prevent further spread of the disease.
The National Public Health Network, which has been coordinating efforts to tackle the Mpox outbreak, has received 317 samples for testing. Of these, 26 have come back positive, giving a positivity rate of 8.2%. The remaining 288 samples were negative, while three samples are still pending.
In response to the rising number of cases, the Ministry of Health is implementing additional interventions. These measures are aimed not only at reducing the spread of the virus but also at addressing the stigma that has sometimes been associated with Mpox. Public communication, stakeholder engagement, and media sensitization are ongoing, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the disease and its prevention.
Frontline healthcare workers have also been prioritized for training and sensitization to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to the crisis effectively. Furthermore, the Ministry is offering Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPS) to individuals affected by the virus, including patients, their contacts, and the families of those infected.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease, is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or human-to-human transmission via bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, muscle aches, and the characteristic rash that appears on the face, hands, and other parts of the body. Though most cases are mild, Mpox can lead to serious complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying health conditions.
In the face of this outbreak, the Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to controlling the spread of Mpox. With surveillance measures ramped up, effective communication strategies, and enhanced healthcare support, the Ministry of Health is hopeful that the situation will soon be under control.
However, experts caution that continued vigilance is necessary, especially given the potential for further outbreaks. As the situation develops, both the government and public health officials are urging the public to remain alert and follow preventive guidelines, including regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and reporting any suspicious symptoms to healthcare authorities.
