Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 314 Mpox cases since the disease was first reported in July 2024, as efforts to contain the spread intensify across the country.
The cases have been recorded in 22 counties, with Mombasa County topping the list at 146 cases, followed by Busia with 63 and Nakuru at 21.
The latest update indicates four new cases three in Mombasa and one in Nairobi were reported in the last 24 hours alone.
While 222 patients have fully recovered, 33 others are currently hospitalized, and 54 are recovering under home-based care. Five deaths have been recorded so far, representing a 1.6 percent fatality rate.
So far, health teams have tracked 422 people who came into contact with infected individuals. Out of these, 15 have tested positive. More than 900 samples have been tested at public health laboratories, with 314 returning positive giving a current positivity rate of 34.6 percent.
The Mpox outbreak in Kenya has triggered heightened surveillance at points of entry, and over 4.7 million travellers have been screened for symptoms. The suspected cases are being referred for further tests and isolation where necessary.
To curb the spread, the Ministry of Health has sent rapid response teams to the affected counties.
The teams are supporting health workers in contact tracing, case management, and supporting the families. Besides medical attention, the patients are also receiving mental health and psychosocial support.
At the same time, the Ministry has intensified public awareness so that Kenyans are aware of how Mpox is transmitted and what they should do to stay safe. More than two million individuals have so far been reached through sensitization campaigns, especially in high-risk areas.
Public health authorities are requesting members of the public to take simple measures like avoiding contact with people who are symptomatic, frequent washing of hands, not sharing personal items, and safe sex.
Those with symptoms are requested to present themselves to a physician immediately and self-quarantine to prevent the infection of others.Kenyans are also advised against spreading misleading or false information.
The Ministry categorically stated that only information from official health sources needs to be followed. Information is disseminated on the Ministry’s website as well as through hotline numbers provided to the public.
As the Mpox outbreak in Kenya continues, the government is calling upon all individuals to be vigilant, follow health protocols, and join hands in an attempt to curb the disease.
