Mpox Outbreak: 314 cases, 5 deaths confirmed across 22 counties

A total of 314 cases and five deaths as a result of the Mpox disease, also known as Monkeypox, have been confirmed in Kenya since the outbreak of the disease in July 2024.

In a statement issued on Friday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the cases were reported across 22 counties with Mombasa having the highest number of affected persons, totaling to 146 followed by Busia County which reported 63 cases.

Other counties reporting cases include Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19), Nairobi (17), Makueni (13), Taita Taveta and Uasin Gishu (5 each), Kiambu and Kakamega (3 each), and Kericho and Machakos (2 each). Counties such as Migori, Kisii, Kirinyaga, Isiolo, Kitui, Narok, Baringo, and Trans-Nzoia have each reported a single case.

About 4 additional cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, with Mombasa’s tally rising up by three cases totaling to 149 while Nairobi is now up by a single case, totaling to 20 confirmed cases of persons affected.

Of the 314 confirmed cases, 33 of them have been admitted to various facilities across the country and 54 cases are under home based care and isolation.

A total of 222 cases have fully recovered with 5 cases unfortunately succumbing to the disease, with the case fatality rate currently standing at 1.6%

422 contacts of the positive cases were contacted and 392 of them placed under monitoring for the recommended 21 day period with other contacts still undergoing observation whilst 15 contacts tested positive for Mpox.

Over 4.7 million travelers have been screened in airports and other points of entry with suspected cases having been identified for further investigation.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has traced 422 contacts of confirmed cases, with 392 under active monitoring for the recommended 21-day observation period. Fifteen contacts have tested positive for Mpox.

The reported 314 cases were confirmed from 905 samples tested at the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL) and partner laboratories, indicating a positivity rate of 34.6%.

In response to the outbreak, MOH, in collaboration with county governments and partners, has intensified surveillance efforts. Multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed nationwide to strengthen healthcare capacity, conduct active case searches, trace and monitor contacts, and manage confirmed cases. The response also includes providing mental health and psychosocial support to infected and affected individuals.

“Additionally, risk communication and community engagement activities are undergoing in the affected counties to enhance public awareness, reduce stigma and promote infection prevention and control measures. To date, over 2 million individuals have been sensitized on Mpox at various points of entry (POEs)”, said Duale.

MOH has issued an advisory to the public on some of the measures they can undertake to prevent spread and catching of the disease.

The Ministry has issued advisories urging the public to take several precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Mpox. These include avoiding contact with infected persons, using personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks when caring for the sick, and refraining from sharing bedding and clothing with those who are infected.

Practicing good personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, is strongly recommended, along with practicing safe sex. The public is also encouraged to report symptoms or suspected cases promptly to the nearest healthcare facility.

Individuals who suspect they may be infected or have tested positive are urged to self-isolate and seek prompt medical evaluation from trained healthcare professionals.

Members of the public are further cautioned against spreading false information and advised to seek accurate and factual updates through the Ministry of Health’s official channels or from trained medical personnel.