The Ministry of Health in Kenya has reported five new cases of Mpox, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 28.
The new infections were recorded in Nakuru and Mombasa counties, according to an update provided by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Monday, December 9, 2024.
Nakuru County remains the most affected, with nine reported cases, followed by Mombasa with six. Other counties affected include Kajiado, Bungoma, and Nairobi with two cases each, while Taita Taveta, Busia, Kiambu, Makueni, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, and Kilifi have reported one case each.
Providing an overview of the situation, Barasa stated, “Our laboratories have confirmed five (5) new Mpox cases this week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to twenty-eight (28) cases across 12 counties. The latest cases have been reported from Nakuru (3 cases) and Mombasa (2 cases) counties.”
“The distribution of cases is as follows: Nakuru (9), Mombasa (6), Kajiado (2). Bungoma (2), Nairobi (2), Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Kiambu (1), Makueni (1), Kericho (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Kilifi (1). Currently, eight (8) individuals are under management, 17 have fully recovered, two (2) are in self-isolation with one (1) death recorded,” she added.
Out of the 28 cases, eight individuals are currently receiving medical care, 17 have fully recovered, two are in self-isolation, and one death has been recorded.
The Ministry has also ramped up surveillance since the outbreak began in July 2024. A total of 2,207,715 travellers have been screened at Points of Entry (POE), and 204 contacts have been identified, with seven testing positive and 50 still under active follow-up.
“A total of 2,207,715 travellers have been screened at various Points of Entry (POE) since the onset of the outbreak in July 2024. The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has so far received 322 samples for testing, 28 of which have tested positive, 292 have posted negative results, and two (2) are pending,” she said.
Barasa stressed the importance of preventive measures and collaboration with public health authorities to contain the outbreak.
“We urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant, adhere to preventive measures, and cooperate with public health officials in ongoing efforts to protect our communities and curb the spread of Mpox,” she said.
