Murang’a County has reported a fifth confirmed case of Mpox, prompting health authorities to intensify efforts to control the outbreak.
The new case involves a 68-year-old woman from Gatara in Murarandia Ward, Kahuro Sub-County, who is currently admitted at Kigumo Sub-County Hospital and remains in isolation. No deaths have been reported so far.
According to the County Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), the confirmed cases are spread across three sub-counties: three in Kiharu, one in Kahuro, and one in Kigumo. EOC Manager Chris Mwangi said 18 samples have been tested to date, with one still awaiting results.
“We have identified six contacts, five of whom are still under follow-up, but none has shown symptoms,” he confirmed.
One health worker has also tested positive and is being managed under home-based care. The county has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the response and ensure that containment measures are in place.
Efforts already underway include distributing information, education, and communication materials to sub-county rapid response teams and sensitising 1,510 health workers.
In the coming days, the county plans to provide additional training for rapid response teams and health workers on case detection and management, strengthen community health education, engage stakeholders, continue contact tracing, provide regular situation updates, and monitor infection prevention supplies in health facilities.
At the national level, the Ministry of Health has reported a rise in Mpox cases across several counties since July, with Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru among the affected areas.
Kenya has confirmed more than 30 cases to date, though the disease’s fatality rate remains low. Authorities have urged counties to enhance surveillance and ensure strict adherence to infection prevention protocols by health workers.
Mwangi emphasized that the county continues to monitor the outbreak closely and will provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
