Kenya has confirmed three additional Mpox cases, increasing the total number of confirmed cases to 36 since the outbreak began.
In a press briefing held on Wednesday, January 20, 2025, the Ministry of Health’s Director General Patrick Amoth, reassured Kenyans that the country is not facing community transmission of the virus.
“As a country, we have reported 36 cumulative cases of Mpox. Currently, two cases are under active management in health facilities and one under home care. We have not had community transmission of the virus,” Amoth said.
Counties affected
The ministry’s last update regarding the disease was issued on January 17, 2025, at which time Kenya had reported 33 cases distributed across 12 counties, with Nakuru having the highest number of patients.
In the earlier statement, the Health Ministry announced two additional confirmed Mpox cases in Kericho (1) and Taita Taveta (1) counties, bringing the total to 33 confirmed cases since the outbreak began.
“These cases have been reported across 12 counties as follows: Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8), Nairobi (2), Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Busia (1), Makueni (1), KB (1), Kiambu (1) and Uasin Gishu (1),” the ministry said.
Travellers screened
In the January 17, 2025 statement, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa noted that since the onset of Mpox in the country in July, a total of 2,207,715 travellers have been screened at various Points of Entry (POE), and 225 contacts have been identified.
“A total of 225 contacts have been identified, 216 of whom have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days. Of those, nine (9) contacts tested positive for Mpox. Additionally, over 2.9 million travellers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are Identified for further investigation,” she added.
Preventive measures
In her statement, CS Barasa indicated that her ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Education to help curb the virus spread in learning institutions across the country.
“While physical distancing is no longer mandatory, schools are encouraged to keep classrooms well-ventilated and ensure that students are not crowded in any area. Schools should ensure that large gatherings such as assemblies and sporting events adhere to health and safety guidelines,” the Health Ministry stated.
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