Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed three additional Mpox cases in Busia County, raising the total number of infections to 42 since the outbreak began in July 2024. The virus has now been detected in 12 counties across the country.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reported that Nakuru has recorded the highest number of cases at 10, followed by Mombasa with 8, while Busia now has 4. Other affected counties include Nairobi, Kajiado, Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Kericho, Makueni, Kilifi, Kiambu, and Uasin Gishu.
Authorities have traced 271 individuals who had contact with confirmed cases, with 246 completing the recommended monitoring period. Nine tested positive, while 16 remain under observation.
The Ministry has also raised concerns about the potential importation of the Marburg and Ebola viruses due to ongoing outbreaks in neighboring countries. Tanzania declared a Marburg outbreak on January 20, while Uganda reported an Ebola outbreak on January 30. Given high cross-border movements in the East African region, Kenya remains at risk.
To prevent the spread of these diseases, surveillance has been intensified at major border crossings.