GARISSA, Kenya – Health authorities in Garissa County have confirmed a case of Mpox infection involving a 35-year-old male healthcare worker, prompting an emergency public health response to contain the virus.
According to a statement from the Garissa County Department of Health, laboratory tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory (NPHL) in Nairobi confirmed the case on October 29, 2025.
The patient, who works at Garissa County Referral Hospital (GCRH), developed fever, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash on October 20.
Officials said he is currently isolated at the hospital’s isolation unit and is in stable condition.
“We have traced and are monitoring all six identified contacts—both household and professional—to prevent further transmission,” a county health officer familiar with the case said.
Preliminary investigations show the healthcare worker had travelled to Nairobi two weeks before symptom onset to attend a mental health conference.
Samples collected on October 27 tested positive for Mpox, marking the county’s first confirmed case this year.
Following the confirmation, the County Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) was activated to coordinate the outbreak response.
Health teams have begun contact tracing, community sensitisation, and infection prevention and control (IPC) efforts across local health facilities.
Vitamin A supplements have also been provided to support the immune response of affected individuals.
In a statement, the Department of Preventive and Promotive Health Services said infection control measures have been stepped up:
“We’ve enhanced IPC practices in all health facilities and ensured adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff.”
The report cited limited technical capacity among local health workers in Mpox detection, reporting, and sample handling as a key challenge.
Health authorities have since notified the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Kenya office for additional technical support and guidance.
Mpox, a viral disease that spreads through close contact with infected people or animals, has been reported sporadically in Kenya. However, this is the first case confirmed in Garissa County in 2025.
The county health department reassured residents that the situation is under control.
“There is no cause for alarm,” the department said. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected rash illnesses to the nearest health facility.”
