Kenya Records 1,298 Mpox Cases

Kenya has recorded 1,298 confirmed Mpox cases and 19 deaths across 40 counties, with the Ministry of Health urging Kenyans to strengthen hygiene and prevention measures as the virus continues to spread.

The latest figures, recorded as of September 6, 2026, show that Mpox has now been reported in 40 of Kenya’s 47 counties.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni raised the alarm on Monday, urging the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to limit further transmission.

“Cumulatively on Mpox, we have 1,298 confirmed cases, and we also have 19 deaths so far. We have 40 out of 47 counties that are affected,” Muthoni said.

Mombasa records highest number of cases.

Mombasa has recorded the highest number of confirmed Mpox cases in the country, with 452 infections.

Nairobi follows with 320 cases, while Busia has recorded 115 cases, making the three counties the most affected based on the latest figures.

The spread across 40 counties has raised concern among health officials, particularly because several of the affected areas are located along major transport routes.

The Ministry has identified Mombasa, Nairobi, Busia, Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi and Nakuru as the seven counties requiring heightened vigilance.

According to health officials, their location along major transport corridors and proximity to border points increases the risk of further transmission.

Ministry urges Kenyans to strengthen prevention.

Muthoni called on members of the public to maintain high standards of hygiene as authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

The PS also urged hotels to pay particular attention to cleanliness, including regularly cleaning bedding and frequently touched surfaces.

“We want to request the members of the public to practice the highest levels of hygiene at all times,” Muthoni said, while also calling on hoteliers to ensure that bedding and surfaces in their establishments are properly cleaned.

The Ministry is also strengthening surveillance and screening at points of entry, particularly along the country’s borders, in an effort to detect suspected infections early.

Muthoni urged people arriving from countries experiencing high levels of Mpox infections to seek medical attention if they begin feeling unwell.

“Should you come from a country where there are high infections, please make sure that you visit a health facility should you feel unwell,” she said.

What symptoms should Kenyans watch for?

Mpox can cause several symptoms, including fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes.

A rash or skin lesions are among the most recognisable signs of the infection. The lesions can appear on different parts of the body, including the face, hands, feet, mouth and genital or anal areas.

The Ministry has continued to emphasise early detection, public awareness and surveillance as important measures in containing transmission.

People who develop symptoms associated with Mpox, particularly after coming into contact with someone who may have the virus or travelling from an area with high transmission, are encouraged to seek medical assessment.

Border surveillance stepped up.

The government is also increasing surveillance at border points and screening at points of entry as part of efforts to prevent further spread.

“We will continue enhancing our surveillance at the border points and also ensure that there is screening that is happening at our points of entry,” Muthoni said.

The Ministry is further pushing public awareness, vaccination and coordination between health agencies as it works to contain the outbreak.

With cases now reported in 40 counties, health officials are urging Kenyans not to ignore symptoms and to maintain preventive measures even in areas that have not recorded the highest number of infections.

The Ministry says continued vigilance, early reporting and good hygiene practices remain essential as Kenya responds to the ongoing Mpox threat.