Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed 137 Mpox cases across 17 counties, raising concerns about the virus’s rapid spread beyond the Northern transport corridor. The highest number of cases has been reported in Busia County with 48, followed by Mombasa with 37 and Nakuru with 16.
Other counties that have recorded Mpox cases include Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), and Machakos (2). Single cases have been reported in Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Isiolo, Kisii, and Kirinyaga.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said that 400 people who had come into contact with infected individuals have been identified so far. Of these, 315 have completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period, during which 15 tested positive for the virus.
Muthoni also noted that 597 samples have been tested at the National Public Health Laboratory and other partner labs, with 137 returning positive results. In efforts to prevent further spread, more than 4.8 million travellers have been screened at various Points of Entry. Any suspected cases identified during screening have been isolated for further examination.
“To accelerate the response to the outbreak in affected counties, the Ministry, in collaboration with County Governments and partners, has strengthened surveillance through active case search, contact tracing, investigations, and treatment of confirmed cases,” said Muthoni.
She also highlighted the Ministry's ongoing efforts to raise public awareness, revealing that 15 million SMS messages have been sent through Safaricom to educate the public about Mpox. Additionally, Kenyans can access prevention and control information by calling 719 or dialling *719#, both toll-free services.
The public has been encouraged to rely on credible sources such as the Ministry of Health website (www.health.go.ke), qualified medical professionals, or emergency hotlines (0729 47 14 14 and 0732 35 35 35) for accurate information about the disease.
“The Ministry of Health remains committed to controlling the Mpox outbreak and protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans,” said Muthoni. She thanked the public for their continued cooperation in the national response to the virus.