NAIROBI, Dec 31 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed two new Mpox cases bringing the total tally to 31 since the outbreak began.
In a statement Monday, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni says the newly confirmed cases include one from Nakuru County and the other from Mombasa County. She said the confirmed cases have been reported across 12 counties with the highest numbers in Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8) and Nairobi (2 cases).
The PS noted that a total of 217 contacts have been identified, 204 of whom have been monitored for 21 days.
“Nine contacts tested positive for Mpox, and four contacts are still being followed up,” she said.
Muthoni said the ministry remains committed to controlling the Mpox outbreak and protecting the health and safety of all Kenyans especially during this festive season.
” Over 2.6 million travelers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation. Suspected Mpox samples continue to undergo testing at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and other partner laboratories, with 351 samples tested so far, of which 31 were positive (positivity rate of 8.8%),” she added.
“To accelerate the response to the outbreak in hotspot counties, the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, has deployed a multidisciplinary rapid response team to assist with active case search, contact tracing, investigation, and the symptomatic management of confirmed cases, including offering mental health and psychosocial support. Additionally, risk communication and community engagement efforts are ongoing and are focused on educating the public about Mpox prevention and control measures,” the PS noted.
She has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines issued by health authorities to curb the spread and to seek medical attention in any of the nearest health facilities if experiencing Mpox-like symptoms. — NNN-KBC
