Two Mpox cases were confirmed in Kenya for the numbers to reach 31, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced that the cases were recorded in Nakuru and Mombasa counties, on December 30.

Muthoni noted that the total number of cases now stands at 31 since the outbreak in July 2024.

She further noted that the cases have been reported across 12 counties, with the highest numbers in Nakuru (10 cases), Mombasa (eight) and  Nairobi (two).

“A total of 217 contacts have been identified, 204 of whom have been monitored for 21 days. Nine contacts tested positive for Mpox, and four contacts are still being followed up,” she said.

In a statement to newsrooms, Muthoni said over 2.6 million travellers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a concerning rise in Mpox cases across the African region between December 2023 and December 2024.

According to the data, cases surged significantly throughout the year, with numbers peaking at over 2,000.

The disease, characterized by lesions and flu-like symptoms, remains a public health challenge.