Ministry Of Health Statement on Mpox Virus Outbreak In Kenya

The Ministry of Health remains committed to controlling the Mpox virus outbreak and protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans. We appreciate the continued efforts by the public in helping us combat this outbreak and safeguarding the well-being of our republic.

The Ministry would like to inform the public of additional cases, especially in new counties outside the Northern transport corridor. Cumulatively, 137 Mpox cases have been confirmed across seventeen (17) counties as follows: Busia (48), Mombasa (37), Nakuru (16), Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), Kajiado (3), Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Kilifi (2), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), Migori (1), Machakos (2), Isiolo (1), Kisii (1), and Kirinyaga (1).

A total of 400 contacts have been identified, with 315 monitored for the recommended period of 21 days. Of those, nine contacts tested positive for Mpox. Additionally, over 4.8 million travelers have been screened at Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation. Suspected Mpox samples are tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and partner laboratories. 597 samples have undergone testing, of which 137 have tested positive.

To accelerate the response to the outbreak in affected counties, the Ministry, in collaboration with County Governments and partners, has:

1. Strengthened surveillance through active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation, and symptomatic management of confirmed cases.

2. Enhanced public awareness: The Ministry of Health has disseminated 15 million SMSs via Safaricom to raise community awareness on Mpox. Additionally, members of the public can access mpox prevention and control messages by calling 719 or by dialing *719# free of charge.

Further information on Mpox can also be obtained from qualified healthcare workers or the Ministry's website www.health.go.ke, or by contacting the hotlines on 0729 47 14 14 or 0732 35 35 35.

Mary Muthoni Muriuki, CBS
Principal Secretary