The Ministry of Health has confirmed five new cases of Mpox this week, increasing the total number of reported cases to 28 across 12 counties.
In a statement on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa outlined ongoing measures to monitor, manage, and contain the outbreak. She also urged Kenyans to follow preventive guidelines to mitigate the spread of the disease.
“The newly reported cases include three from Nakuru County and two from Mombasa County,” the statement read. Nakuru remains the most affected county with nine cases, followed by Mombasa with six. Other counties with reported cases include Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Nairobi (2), and one case each in Taita Taveta, Busia, Kiambu, Makueni, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, and Kilifi.
Currently, eight individuals are receiving medical care, two are in self-isolation, and 17 have fully recovered. Unfortunately, one death has been recorded since the outbreak began.
The Ministry highlighted the importance of contact tracing as a key containment strategy.
“To date, 204 contacts have been identified, with 147 completing the mandatory 21-day monitoring period. Seven contacts have tested positive, while 50 remain under active observation,” the Ministry reported.
Since the outbreak began in July, 2,207,715 travellers have been screened at Points of Entry (POE) nationwide. The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has tested 322 samples, with 28 returning positive, 292 negative, and two still pending results.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with county governments and other stakeholders to address the outbreak effectively.
“Mpox is preventable if proper measures are observed. We urge Kenyans to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent further spread,” the statement emphasised.
The Ministry also pledged to maintain transparency by providing regular updates and encouraged citizens to rely on official sources for accurate information.
Kenyans are advised to stay alert, report suspected symptoms, and support health officials in their efforts to manage and contain the outbreak.
