Embu County has confirmed its first Mpox infection, prompting health authorities to activate emergency containment measures to prevent further spread of the viral disease.
The case involves a 29-year-old woman from Kagaari North Ward in Runyenjes Sub-County, with laboratory confirmation received on May 30, 2026.
Following the diagnosis, county health officials swiftly rolled out response measures, including contact tracing, active case searches, enhanced disease surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and infection prevention protocols.
Speaking on the development, Embu County Executive Committee Member for Health, Jamal Runyenje, assured residents that the situation was under control while urging them to remain vigilant.
“I wish to officially inform residents that the Department of Health has confirmed the first Mpox case in Embu County. The patient is a 29-year-old female resident of Kagaari North Ward in Runyenjes Sub-County,” Runyenje said.
County Activates Outbreak Response Measures
Health officials said the county’s emergency outbreak response system was activated immediately after the case was confirmed.
Working alongside the Ministry of Health, authorities have launched investigations to determine possible exposure routes and identify individuals who may have interacted with the patient.
According to Runyenje, ongoing interventions include case investigations, contact tracing, active case searches, strengthened surveillance systems, infection prevention measures, risk communication, and community sensitisation programmes.
He added that all healthcare facilities across the county have been placed on heightened alert to facilitate the swift detection, isolation, and treatment of any suspected cases.
Symptoms Residents Should Watch For
Health authorities explained that Mpox is a viral disease transmitted through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, respiratory secretions during prolonged exposure, or infected animals.
Common symptoms include fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and body aches, fatigue, skin rashes, and unusual lesions.
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Residents have been urged to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the symptoms.
“I urge all residents to remain calm but alert. Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, skin rash, unusual lesions, or swollen lymph nodes should seek medical care immediately at the nearest health facility,” Runyenje said.
The county government also encouraged residents to observe proper hygiene practices, avoid unnecessary contact with suspected cases, and rely on official government communication channels for verified information.
Kenya Remains Ebola-Free
The Mpox alert comes amid heightened regional concerns over Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
However, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently assured Kenyans that the country has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases.
Duale disclosed that three suspected Ebola cases involving travellers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, together with four close contacts, all tested negative. He added that the government had stepped up border surveillance, screening measures, laboratory readiness, and emergency response systems to guard against any potential importation of the disease.
Embu officials have reiterated that public cooperation, early reporting of symptoms, and adherence to health guidelines will be critical in containing the Mpox case and preventing wider transmission.
