The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, EGH, has issued a press statement confirming a total of 314 Mpox cases in Kenya since the outbreak began in May 2024.
The government is intensifying its public health response to contain the virus and safeguard the well-being of the population.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to halting the spread of the disease and thanked Kenyans, county governments, and partners for their continued cooperation and vigilance in combating the outbreak.
According to the Ministry’s latest data, Mpox cases have now been reported in 22 counties, with the majority of cases recorded in Mombasa (146), Busia (63), Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19), Nairobi (17), and Makueni (13).
Smaller numbers have also been confirmed in Taita Taveta, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kiambu, and several other counties. In the last 24 hours alone, four new cases have been confirmed three in Mombasa and one in Nairobi.
Currently, 33 patients are hospitalized, while 54 are under home-based isolation and care. A total of 222 individuals have recovered from Mpox to date.
Unfortunately, five deaths have been reported, bringing the case fatality rate to 1.6%.
The Ministry has identified 422 close contacts of infected individuals, with 392 having completed the recommended monitoring period. Among these contacts, 15 have tested positive for Mpox.
At Kenya’s ports of entry, over 4.7 million travelers have been screened, and 905 suspected cases have undergone laboratory testing at the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) and affiliated facilities. The current positivity rate stands at 34.6%.
In response, the Ministry of Health, together with county governments and partners, has deployed multi-disciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to strengthen surveillance, train healthcare workers, conduct active case search, and manage confirmed cases.
Mental health and psychosocial support services have been integrated into patient care.
Additionally, ongoing risk communication campaigns aim to combat stigma and misinformation, especially in high-risk areas.
To date, over 2 million individuals have been sensitized on Mpox prevention at various points of entry.
The Ministry urges the public to adopt preventive measures including avoiding close contact with suspected or confirmed Mpox cases, not sharing personal items or bedding with infected individuals, using personal protective equipment when caring for the sick, maintaining good personal hygiene through frequent handwashing or sanitizer use, practicing safe sex, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue occur, and self-isolating if symptomatic or confirmed positive.
To stay informed, the public is encouraged to access accurate and up-to-date information from official sources such as the Ministry’s website (www.health.go.ke) and toll-free helplines 719, *719#, 0729 471 414, and 0732 353 535. Hon.
Aden Duale also cautioned against false or misleading information, noting that it undermines efforts and can cause unnecessary fear.
“The Ministry remains on high alert and continues to monitor the situation closely. Our priority is the health and safety of all Kenyans. We urge everyone to cooperate, stay informed, and follow public health guidance,” said Hon. Aden Duale, EGH.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral disease transmitted through close contact. It causes fever, skin lesions, and other flu-like symptoms.
While many recover fully, severe illness or complications may occur, especially among immunocompromised individuals.
As Kenya works to control the outbreak, public vigilance, timely reporting, and adherence to health protocols remain crucial.
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