Kenya has reported its fifth confirmed case of the Mpox virus, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday.
The latest case, identified on Wednesday, involves a 28-year-old female resident of VOK area in Mombasa.
The patient is currently in isolation at Utange Hospital’s Mpox Isolation Centre.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa revealed that the woman contracted the virus from her spouse, who was the fourth confirmed case and is presently receiving treatment in Nakuru.
The female patient was initially admitted to Coast General Hospital on August 28, 2024, and subsequent tests confirmed her Mpox diagnosis.
According to the Ministry, the patient had no recent travel history to regions affected by Mpox.
However, her spouse had recently traveled to Rwanda and returned on August 24, 2024.
This has raised concerns about potential spread from international travel.
CS Barasa stated that 33 contacts of the confirmed cases are under close observation as efforts continue to contain the virus.
Out of the five confirmed cases, two individuals have fully recovered, while three remain in isolation and are reportedly responding positively to treatment.
In light of the recent developments, CS Barasa assured the public that Kenya’s healthcare facilities are well-equipped to manage Mpox cases.
She urged individuals to avoid unnecessary travel to countries with ongoing Mpox outbreaks and to report any symptoms to the nearest healthcare facility.
The public is also advised to practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with potentially infected animals, and follow preventive measures if caring for Mpox patients.
