Kenya has recorded five deaths linked to the ongoing Mpox outbreak, with the
Ministry of Health confirming a total of 314 cases across 22 counties since
July 2024.
The latest update released by the Ministry on
Monday shows that Mombasa County has reported the highest number of infections
with 146 confirmed cases, followed by Busia (63), Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19), and
Nairobi (17).
Other affected counties include Makueni, Taita Taveta, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma,
and Kajiado, among others.
Four new cases were confirmed in the last 24
hours, three in Mombasa and one in Nairobi, highlighting continued transmission
in urban areas.
Of the 314 confirmed cases, 33 individuals are
currently admitted in health facilities, while 54 are under home-based
isolation and care.
A total of 222 patients have since recovered. The five deaths put the country’s
case fatality rate at 1.6 percent.
Health authorities have so far identified 422
contacts of confirmed cases.
Out of these, 392 have completed the required 21-day monitoring period,
while the rest remain under observation. Fifteen contacts have tested positive
for the disease.
The Ministry said it has intensified
surveillance and deployed rapid response teams to affected counties.
Over 4.7 million travelers have been screened at border points and 905
samples tested at designated laboratories, yielding a 34.6% positivity rate.
Public health campaigns are also ongoing, with
more than two million people reached through awareness drives aimed at reducing
stigma and improving infection control.
The public is advised to avoid close contact
with infected individuals, maintain personal hygiene, and seek immediate
medical attention if symptoms appear.
Those caring for infected persons are urged to use protective gear, and
communities are reminded to rely on accurate information from official Ministry
channels.
The
Ministry reiterated its commitment to curbing the spread of the disease and
urged the public to adhere to health advisories and avoid misinformation.
