Kenya has confirmed a new case of Mpox from the tests conducted in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 4.
According to a statement by the PS for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms Mary Muthoni, the confirmed cases are distributed across four counties, including Nairobi, Busia, Nakuru, and Taita Taveta.
The Ministry of Health said that the National Public Health Lab has so far processed 90 samples, with two samples pending confirmation. In addition, 3o contacts are under follow-up in Nakuru, Mombasa, Busia, and Nairobi.
Kenya has intensified the screening at points of entry since the first case was confirmed in July. Over 599,380 travelers have been screened at the country’s 26 entry points as of August 31, 2024.
Africa CDC declared Mpox outbreaks a public health emergency of continental security in the continent on August 13, 2024. The declaration followed the surge of Mpox cases on the continent.
Since 2022, 40,874 Mpox cases and 1,512 fatalities have been reported across fifteen countries. In 2024, Africa has recorded over 17,541 cases and 517 fatalities according to the latest data by Africa CDC.
The new figures represent a 160 percent and 19 percent surge in number of cases and fatalities, respectively, in 2024 compared to the corresponding period last year. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) constitutes 76 percent of all cases and 97 percent of all fatalities registered in 2024 alone.
Other countries with confirmed pox cases include Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and Côte d’Ivoire. Epidemiological studies show cross-border movement as the primary driver for spread.
Read more: Emergent BioSolutions to Donate 50,000 Mpox Vaccines to Africa
