The government has confirmed three new cases of Mpox from Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi counties.
The Ministry of Health said the National Public Health Laboratory confirmed the disease after nearly a month of no new cases.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, the total number of confirmed cases now stands at 17.
She said three cases have been confirmed in Nakuru, Kajiado (two), Bungoma (two), Taita Taveta (one), Busia (one), Nairobi (two), Mombasa (two), Makueni (one), Kericho (one), Uasin Gishu (one), and Kilifi (one).
“Currently, three cases are under management, and 13 patients have fully recovered and one reported death,” she said in a statement to media houses.
“So far, 83 contacts have been identified, with 78 completing the required 21-day follow-up. Of these contacts, three have tested positive for Mpox, and two remain under active follow-up,” she noted.
The CS further noted that in the last 24 hours, 15,068 travellers have been screened at Points of Entry (POEs), bringing the cumulative number to 1,701,813 screened across 26 POEs.
She said the National Public Health Laboratory has tested a total of 271 samples, with 17 positive results, 250 negative, and four pending.
“As we continue to monitor the evolution of the outbreak within the region, the Ministry urges Kenyans to defer non-essential travel to areas with active Mpox transmission. In collaboration with our partners, we are deploying targeted interventions to contain the outbreak, including securing Mpox vaccines that will soon be available to citizens at high risk of infection,” she said.
Barasa called on all Kenyans to remain vigilant and follow Mpox preventive measures, which include avoiding close contact with infected individuals or their personal items, limiting the number of sexual partners to reduce exposure, and maintaining good hygiene through frequent hand washing or hand sanitiser use.
“If you observe symptoms or suspect a case, please report it to the nearest health facility for prompt care,” she said.
