MPox cases in Kenya have reached 36 after 5 new cases were confirmed in the past week, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced.
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.
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.
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.
