The Ministry of Health has confirmed three new Mpox cases, bringing the total number to 41 since the outbreak began in July 2024.
State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni noted that a total of 271 contacts of the 41 cases have been identified.
She said 246 of the contacts identified have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days, nine tested positive for Mpox while the 16 are still being monitored.
“Additionally, over 3.3 million travelers have been screened at the points of entry and 419 samples from suspected cases have undergone testing at the National Public Health Laboratory and partner laboratories, of which 41 tested positive and 376 negative, with a further two still undergoing analysis,” the PS added.
In a statement to newsrooms, Muthoni said the ministry in collaboration with the county governments and its partners has stepped up surveillance activities in all high-risk counties and has deployed rapid response teams (RRTs) to support active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation, and symptomatic management of confirmed cases.
“To mitigate the spread of Mpox disease in schools, the ministry’s school health programme has been working closely with the Ministry of Education to support infection prevention and control and other public health measures, in order to forestall any spread of cases in learning institutions,” she stated.
The PS noted that other threats have also emerged, posing significant risks to public health and safety.
She pointed out that in January 2025, Tanzania declared a new Marburg Virus outbreak while Uganda confirmed an outbreak of Sudan Ebola Virus Disease, reporting two cases and one fatality.
She said the outbreaks remain active, heightening the risk of cross-border transmission into Kenya.
“Given our proximity and frequent cross-border movement, Kenya remains at high risk of importation, requiring urgent and coordinated action to mitigate the spread of these diseases,” Muthoni added.
She urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended public health guidelines.
“Travelers arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Tanzania or Uganda shall be screened by Port Health staff at Gate 16 and, when required, must truthfully complete the Traveler Health Surveillance Form,” she added.
