Kenya has reported nine new cases of mpox, pushing the national total to 137, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
The latest cases were detected in counties beyond the Northern Transport Corridor, with infections now confirmed across 17 counties. Busia leads with 48 cases, followed by Mombasa (37), Nakuru (16), and Makueni (10). Nairobi has reported five cases, while the rest are spread across other regions including Kisii, Migori, and Kirinyaga.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said 597 samples have been tested at the National Public Health Laboratory and partner facilities, with 137 returning positive results. She added that 400 contacts have been identified, of whom 315 were monitored for the required 21 days. Nine of these contacts later tested positive.
To curb further spread, the Ministry is intensifying surveillance and case management through active case finding, contact tracing, and symptomatic care. Over 4.8 million travellers have also been screened at entry points across the country.
As part of its public awareness campaign, the Ministry has partnered with Safaricom to send 15 million SMS messages on mpox prevention. Additionally, Kenyans can access information by calling 719 or dialling *719# free of charge.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to controlling the Mpox virus and protecting the health of Kenyans,” said PS Muthoni, urging continued public cooperation.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has maintained that the mpox outbreak remains a public health emergency. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the agency is updating its recommendations to support affected countries in containing the virus.
Written By Rodney Mbua
