Alarm as Mpox spreads to 17 counties with 137 confirmed cases
Other counties with confirmed cases include Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), Machakos (2), and one case each in Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Isiolo, Kisii, and Kirinyaga.
Kenya has recorded 137 Mpox cases across 17 counties, with the virus spreading beyond the Northern transport corridor.
According to the Ministry of Health, Busia County leads with the highest number of infections at 48, followed by Mombasa (37) and Nakuru (16), signalling a wider national spread of the disease.
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Other counties with confirmed cases include Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), Machakos (2), and one case each in Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Isiolo, Kisii, and Kirinyaga.
In a statement on Tuesday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said a total of 400 contacts have so far been identified.
Out of these, 315 individuals have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days, during which 15 of them tested positive for Mpox.
Muthoni further revealed that 597 samples have undergone testing at the National Public Health Laboratory and partner laboratories, with 137 returning positive results.
In addition, over 4.8 million travellers have been screened at various Points of Entry. She noted that suspected cases identified during the screening process have been isolated for further investigation.
“To accelerate the response to the outbreak in affected counties, the Ministry, in collaboration with the County Governments and partners, has strengthened surveillance through active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation, and symptomatic management of confirmed cases,” she said.
She added that the Ministry has also intensified community engagement efforts to raise public awareness of Mpox.
“The Ministry of Health has disseminated 15 million SMSs via Safaricom to raise community awareness on Mpox. Additionally, members of the public can access Mpox prevention and control messages by calling 719 or by dialling *719# free of charge,” she said.
Kenyans have also been urged to seek accurate information on the disease from qualified healthcare workers, the Ministry’s website (www.health.go.ke), or through the emergency hotlines 0729 47 14 14 and 0732 35 35 35.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to controlling the Mpox virus outbreak and protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans. We appreciate the continued efforts by the public in helping us combat this outbreak and safeguarding the well-being of our republic,” Muthoni said.
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