Kenya records two new Mpox cases in 24 hours

Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has announced two new cases of Mpox recorded in the country within the last 24 hours.

CS Barasa, in a statement to newsrooms on Friday, stated that this now takes the total number of confirmed Mpox cases in Kenya to 12.

The cases are distributed as follows: Nakuru (2), Kajiado (2), Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Nairobi (1), Mombasa (1), Makueni (1), Bungoma (1), Kericho (I) and Kilifi (I).

She went ahead to state that, of the confirmed cases, 5 are currently on management while 7 have fully recovered, adding that no deaths have so far been recorded.

The Health CS also noted that 68 contacts have so far been identified, out of whom 60 have successfully completed the required 2 I -day follow-up. Two contacts however tested positive for Mpox, while another 6 remain under active follow-up.

“In the past 24 hours, a total of 15,269 travelers have been screened at various Points of Entry (POEs), bringing the cumulative number to 1,161,622 travelers screened across 26 POEs,” noted CS Barasa.

“The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has received 230 samples for testing, of which 12 have tested positive; 217 have returned negative results, and one (I) is pending results.”

She added: “We urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and continue observing the Mpox preventive measures outlined by the Ministry of Health; avoid close contact with infected individuals or their personal items, limit the number of sexual partners to reduce exposure, and maintain good hygiene by frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer. Should you observe any suspected symptoms or cases, please report them immediately by dialing the toll-free number 719.”