Two Mpox cases have been confirmed in Nakuru and Mombasa counties, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has announced.
Muthoni noted that the total number of cases now stands at 31 since the outbreak in July 2024.
She further noted that the cases have been reported across 12 counties, with the highest numbers in Nakuru (10 cases), Mombasa (eight), and Nairobi (two).
“A total of 217 contacts have been identified, 204 of whom have been monitored for 21 days. Nine contacts tested positive for Mpox, and four contacts are still being followed up,” she said.
In a statement to newsrooms, Muthoni said over 2.6 million travellers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation.
She said suspected Mpox samples continue to undergo testing at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and other partner laboratories, with 351 samples tested so far, of which 31 were positive (positivity rate of 8.8 per cent).
“To accelerate the response to the outbreak in hotspot counties, the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, has deployed a multidisciplinary rapid response team to assist with active case search, contact tracing, investigation, and the symptomatic management of confirmed cases, including offering mental health and psychosocial support,” she said.
Additionally, Muthoni added, risk communication and community engagement efforts are ongoing and are focused on educating the public about Mpox prevention and control measures.
She urged Kenyans to avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like Mpox.
“Do not share bedding, towels, or clothing with a person who has Mpox. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after contact with ill people or their environment. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth,” she advised.
The PS encouraged the public to seek accurate, latest information and guidance from qualified health care workers and the Ministry of Health website at www.health.go.ke or contact the Ministry's hotlines at 719, 0729 47 14 14, or 0732 35 35 35.
