Nyeri County has confirmed its first case of Mpox, becoming the 23rd county in Kenya to report an infection since the outbreak began in July 2024.
According to the Ministry of Health, the patient is a 60-year-old woman who had recently travelled from Nairobi to Mathira East. She later tested positive for the viral disease, marking Nyeri’s entry into the growing list of affected counties.
The national Mpox case count now stands at 314, with infections reported in 23 counties. Mombasa remains the hardest hit, accounting for 146 confirmed cases and five deaths, followed by Busia (63), Nakuru (21), Kilifi (19), and Nairobi (17). An additional four new cases, three in Mombasa and one in Nairobi, were also confirmed in the latest update.
In a statement released Friday, August 1, the Ministry of Health said it is intensifying efforts to contain the spread of the disease in collaboration with county governments and health partners. Multidisciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) have been deployed to affected regions to support healthcare worker training, case finding, contact tracing, and patient management.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said 33 Mpox patients are currently admitted in various health facilities, while 54 are under home-based isolation and care.
The Ministry is also providing mental health and psychosocial support to patients and affected communities, and continues to urge the public to observe hygiene measures, report any symptoms promptly, and avoid close contact with suspected cases.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease similar to smallpox, presents with fever, body rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. The Ministry has emphasized early detection and community awareness as critical tools in stopping the spread.
Written By Rodney Mbua
