NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has reported three new cases of Mpox in Mombasa, Nakuru, and Nairobi counties, marking the first cases after nearly a month without new infections.
This brings the national tally to 17 confirmed cases since the disease first emerged in the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa confirmed the cases on Thursday, explaining that the new infections were identified by the National Public Health Laboratory.
She provided a breakdown, noting that previous cases had also been reported in Nakuru (three cases), Kajiado (two), Bungoma (two), Taita Taveta (one), Busia (one), Nairobi (two), Mombasa (two), Makueni (one), Kericho (one), Uasin Gishu (one), and Kilifi (one).
“Currently, three patients are undergoing treatment, while 13 have fully recovered. Unfortunately, one death has been recorded,” Barasa stated.
To date, authorities have identified 83 contacts of confirmed Mpox cases. Of these, 78 completed the required 21-day follow-up, and three have tested positive, with two still under active monitoring.
The Ministry of Health has advised Kenyans to report any suspected symptoms immediately to health facilities.
Increased health monitoring efforts have screened more than 1.7 million people at 26 Points of Entry (POEs) across the country, with 15,068 travelers screened in the past 24 hours alone, according to the ministry’s data.
Laboratory testing has also been extensive, with 271 samples processed, yielding 17 positives, 250 negatives, and four pending results.
Barasa emphasized that while the Ministry is managing the outbreak locally, Kenyans should defer any non-essential travel to regions experiencing high rates of Mpox transmission.
She noted that the ministry is working with international health partners to secure Mpox vaccines, which will soon be available to high-risk groups.
In her statement, Barasa reminded Kenyans of key preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, limiting the number of sexual partners, and maintaining strict hygiene.
“If you observe symptoms or suspect a case, please report it to the nearest health facility for prompt care,” she advised.
Health officials are closely monitoring Mpox’s spread within the region and have urged the public to remain vigilant.
This brings the national tally to 17 confirmed cases since the disease first emerged in the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa confirmed the cases on Thursday, explaining that the new infections were identified by the National Public Health Laboratory.
She provided a breakdown, noting that previous cases had also been reported in Nakuru (three cases), Kajiado (two), Bungoma (two), Taita Taveta (one), Busia (one), Nairobi (two), Mombasa (two), Makueni (one), Kericho (one), Uasin Gishu (one), and Kilifi (one).
“Currently, three patients are undergoing treatment, while 13 have fully recovered. Unfortunately, one death has been recorded,” Barasa stated.
To date, authorities have identified 83 contacts of confirmed Mpox cases. Of these, 78 completed the required 21-day follow-up, and three have tested positive, with two still under active monitoring.
The Ministry of Health has advised Kenyans to report any suspected symptoms immediately to health facilities.
Increased health monitoring efforts have screened more than 1.7 million people at 26 Points of Entry (POEs) across the country, with 15,068 travelers screened in the past 24 hours alone, according to the ministry’s data.
Laboratory testing has also been extensive, with 271 samples processed, yielding 17 positives, 250 negatives, and four pending results.
Barasa emphasized that while the Ministry is managing the outbreak locally, Kenyans should defer any non-essential travel to regions experiencing high rates of Mpox transmission.
She noted that the ministry is working with international health partners to secure Mpox vaccines, which will soon be available to high-risk groups.
In her statement, Barasa reminded Kenyans of key preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, limiting the number of sexual partners, and maintaining strict hygiene.
“If you observe symptoms or suspect a case, please report it to the nearest health facility for prompt care,” she advised.
Health officials are closely monitoring Mpox’s spread within the region and have urged the public to remain vigilant.
