Murang’a County has confirmed a fifth case of Mpox as the County Department of Health intensified emergency measures to contain the outbreak, which has so far recorded no deaths.
The County Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) reported that the latest case involves a 68-year-old woman from Gatara in Murarandia Ward, Kahuro Sub County who is currently admitted at Kigumo Sub County Hospital, where she remains in isolation.
The cumulative cases are now distributed across three sub counties including three in Kiharu, one in Kahuro and one in Kigumo.
According to EOC Manager Chris Mwangi, 18 samples have been tested so far, with one still pending.
Mwangi on Thursday told KNA that no fatalities have been reported since the outbreak began.
“We have identified six contacts, five of whom are still under follow-up but none has shown symptoms,” Mwangi said, adding that one health worker has also tested positive and is being managed under home-based care.
The county has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate response efforts.
Mwangi said several measures have already been implemented, including the distribution of information, education and communication materials to sub-county rapid response teams and the sensitisation of 1,510 health workers across different cadres.
A week ago, the County Director of Health issued reminders to both health workers and the public on the importance of strictly observing infection prevention and control measures.
Planned activities in the coming days include additional training of rapid response teams and health workers on case detection and management, intensified community health education, stakeholder engagement, continued contact tracing, regular situation updates and assessment of infection prevention and control commodity levels in county health facilities.
Mwangi urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, emphasising that the county has maintained a zero-case fatality rate since the onset of the outbreak.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will ensure the public remains informed as we strengthen our response,” he said.
The county health official further noted that collaboration with communities, strict adherence to preventive guidelines and support from partners will be key to containing the outbreak and preventing further spread.
By Bernard Munyao and Catherine Kamunyo
