Kenya has recorded one more Mpox case, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 38 since the outbreak began, the Ministry of Health has announced.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, February 8, 2025, the ministry confirmed that the latest case was reported in Makueni County.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that since our last update, one (1) additional confirmed Mpox case has been reported from Makueni County. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to thirty-eight (38) since the outbreak began,” the statement reads in part.
Counties affected
The virus has been detected in 12 counties, with Nakuru leading with 10 cases, followed by Mombasa with 8 cases.
“These cases have been reported across 12 counties as follows: Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8), Busia (4), Nairobi (2), Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Makueni (2), Kilifi (2), Kiambu (1), and Uasin Gishu (1),” the ministry added.
The Ministry further announced that 255 contacts have been identified since the outbreak began, with 246 completing the 21-day monitoring period.
“246 of whom have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days, while the others are still being monitored. Nine (9) contacts have tested positive for Mpox so far,” the statement read.
Travellers screened
The ministry further announced that since the outbreak began, 255 contacts have been identified, with 246 completing the 21-day monitoring period.
“Accordingly, 412 samples from suspected cases have undergone testing, of which 38 have tested positive and 374 have tested negative,” the statement read.
In her statement, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni indicated that the ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Education to enforce infection prevention and control measures in learning institutions.
“To mitigate the spread of Mpox disease in schools, the ministry’s school health program has been working closely with the Ministry of Education to support infection prevention and control and other public health measures to forestall any spread of cases in learning institutions,” the ministry said.
Safety measures
The ministry reassured the public that efforts to curb the spread of Mpox are ongoing.
“The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the County Governments and its partners, has stepped up surveillance activities in all high-risk counties and has deployed rapid response teams (RRTs) to support active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation, and symptomatic management of confirmed cases,” the statement added.
The government urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere to public health measures.
“The Ministry would like to reassure the general public that we are in full control of the situation,” Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki said.
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