By Dorothy Musyoka
The Ministry of Health has confirmed two new cases of Mpox in Kenya, bringing the total number of reported cases to seven.
The new infections were detected in Makueni and Kajiado counties, signaling a continued spread of the virus within the country.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to report that two (2) new mpox cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours from Makueni and Kajiado counties respectively, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to seven (7). The confirmed mpox cases are distributed countrywide as follows:Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Nairobi (1), Mombasa (1), Nakuru (1), Makueni (1) and Kajiado (1).
In a statement, the Ministry emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, including practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and promptly seeking medical attention if symptoms appear.
The Ministry’s surveillance teams are actively monitoring and tracing contacts to curb further transmission.
According to the Ministry 16,033 travellers have been screened at the Points of Entry (POEs) in the last 24 hours contributing to a total of 1,002,621 screened travellers across the 26 POEs since the outbreak of Mpox.
Additionally the National Public Health Laboratoy has tested 190 samples from 28 counties, with seven testing positive ,178 negative, and five are currently being tested.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has been classified as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security in Africa, following earlier declarations by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
So far, Kenya has confirmed a total of seven cases, with continued efforts to contain the virus through vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working with local health authorities in the affected regions and collaborating with global health partners to ensure that all necessary resources are deployed to manage and contain the outbreak.