The Ministry of Health has urged the public to continue adhering to the official public health advisories on Mpox and only seek accurate, up-to-date information and guidance from qualified health care professionals.
In a statement on Mpox disease outbreak situation in the country, Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale urged the public to especially disregard any misleading or false information that may hinder public health efforts or cause unnecessary fear and confusion.
Duale added that the government remains committed to controlling the Mpox outbreak, while protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the County Governments and other partners, he explained, has stepped up surveillance activities across all counties and has deployed multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to support capacity strengthening of healthcare workers, active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation and symptomatic management of confirmed cases including mental health and psychosocial support to the infected and affected persons.
He confirmed that a total of three hundred and fourteen (314) Mpox cases have been confirmed since the outbreak began in July 2024.
These cases have been reported across 22 counties, namely Mombasa (146), Busia (63), Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19), Nairobi (17), Makueni (13), Taita Taveta (5), Uasin Gishu (5), Bungoma (4), Kajiado (3), Kakamega (3), Kiambu (3), Kericho (2), Machakos (2), Migori (1), Kisii (1), Kirinyaga (1), Isiolo (1), Kitui (1), Narok (1), Baringo (1) and Trans-Nzoia (1).
In the last 24 hours, four (4) additional Mpox cases have been confirmed in Mombasa County (3 cases) and Nairobi County (1).
The CS further noted that a total of 33 cases are currently admitted in various facilities across the country, while 54 cases are under home-based isolation and care.
“222 cases have fully recovered, but unfortunately, five (5) cases have succumbed to the disease since the onset of the outbreak, with case fatality rate standing at 1.6 percent,” Duale added.
At the same time, a total of 422 contacts of the positive cases have been identified, 392 of whom have been monitored over the recommended period of 21 days, while the others are still being observed.
Fifteen (15) contacts have tested positive for Mpox so far, and additionally, over 4.7 million travellers have been screened at our airports and other points of entry, and suspected cases have been identified for further investigation.
Samples drawn from suspected cases are tested at the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) and other partner laboratories.
Subsequently, 905 samples from suspected cases have been laboratory-tested, of which 314 tested positive (positivity rate: 34.6 percent).
The CS said that communication and community engagement activities are ongoing in the affected counties to enhance public awareness, reduce stigma and promote infection prevention and control measures.
“To date, over two (2) million individuals have been sensitized on Mpox at various points of entry (POEs), the CS said, and advised the public to adhere to the public health preventive measures.
“Avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed Mpox cases and sharing personal items. Use personal protective equipment such as gloves and face masks when caring for sick loved ones. Do not share beddings and clothing with sick people and Practice personal hygiene including frequent hand washing with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer,” Duale advised.
Duale thanked and appreciated the continued efforts by the public and all stakeholders in combating this outbreak and safeguarding the well-being of our nation.
Meanwhile, reliable information can be accessed via the Ministry’s website at www.health.go.ke or through the contact lines 719, *719#, 0729 471 414, and 0732 353 535.
By Wangari Ndirangu
