MoH: Kenya confirms 137 Mpox cases across 17 counties

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 137 Mpox cases across 17 counties in Kenya, as of June 9.

In a statement released on Tuesday by PS Mary Muthoni, the ministry noted an increase in cases, especially in counties outside the Northern transport corridor.

In a statement dated June 9, the Ministry of Health said cumulatively 137 Mpox cases have been confirmed across 17 counties.

This is as follows: Busia (48), Mombasa (37), Nakuru (16), Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2) and Kiambu (1).

Others are Uasin Gishu (1) Migori (1), Machakos (2), Isiolo (1), Kisii (1) and Kirinyaga (1).

She said a total of 400 contacts have been identified, 315 have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days.

Of those, nine (15) contacts tested positive for Mpox.

Additionally, over 4.8 million travelers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation.

PS Muthoni added that suspected Mpox samples are tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and partner laboratories.

She said, at least 597 samples have undergone testing, of which 137 have tested positive.

The PS said that the ministry has put in measures to accelerate the response to the outbreak in affected counties.

She said the ministry, in partnership with County Governments, has strengthened surveillance through active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation, and symptomatic management of confirmed cases.

They have also enhanced public awareness with the ministry disseminating 15 million SMSs via Safaricom to raise community awareness on Mpox.

Members of the public can access Mpox prevention and control messages by calling 719 or by dialing *719# FREE OF CHARGE.

“The Ministry of Health remains committed to controlling the Mpox virus outbreak and protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans. We appreciate the continued efforts by the public in helping us combat this outbreak and safeguarding the well-being of our republic,” she said