Nakuru leads in MPox cases as national tally reaches 36

Speaking to the press on Thursday, Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni said that the five cases were reported in Kericho, Taita Taveta (1), and the most recent reported on January 21 in Busia (2) and Kilifi. 

Muthoni added that the ministry has heightened vigilance at the country’s borders and in key towns to curb the spread of the disease.

"MoH has put in place robust surveillance and close monitoring of travelers in collaboration with other partners who have come in Handy to make sure we have the necessary capacity to respond," Muthoni said.

So far Nakuru County has the highest number of infections with 10 cases followed by Mombasa with 8 cases and Busia (3).

Other counties with reported cases include Nairobi, Kajiado, Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Kericho and Kilifi with two new cases each. 

Makueni, Kiambu and Uasin Gishu counties have one case each.

The Health PS therefore stated that the Ministry plans to Mpox vaccination targeting those at risk while ensuring appropriate measures are put in place to protect children in schools.

Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, and typically causes flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions. It is usually mild, but it can be lethal.

The World Health Organization declared a global public health emergency after an Mpox outbreak was detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo in August 2024 that had spread to neighbouring countries which have been most affected.