Murang’a County has confirmed its first case of Mpox, sparking urgent response efforts from local health authorities.
The case was confirmed on August 2, 2025, through testing conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory.
Murang’a County Director of Health Services, Dr James Mburu, confirmed that the patient is currently stable and undergoing care at a health facility within the County.
“We are following up on the contacts to the case to contain the spread,” he added, emphasizing the County’s swift response to prevent further transmission.
Mburu assured residents that the County Emergency Operations Centre has already been activated for response and coordination of information and technical support.
He underscored the importance of community cooperation and swift information sharing, especially as the County scales-up its surveillance and public health messaging.
“We urge all residents that in case of any health concerns or suspected symptoms, they should liaise immediately with the County or Sub-county Disease Surveillance Coordinators,” Mburu urged.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, is a viral illness that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that progresses into pustules before scabbing.
Health officials in Murang’a are now urging all medical personnel to be vigilant and report any suspected cases immediately.
“All communication lines remain active for reporting, information, and enquiries,” Mburu noted in his advisory.
This is the first confirmed case in Murang’a County amid a broader national alert issued by the Ministry of Health, urging counties to enhance preparedness.
“We are taking this very seriously,” one county official said. “All systems are on standby to ensure we contain any spread and keep the public safe.”
The County Health Department is also running sensitization sessions across the County and maintaining open communication with national health authorities.
By Bernard Munyao
