Government Confirms Second Mpox Case at Malaba Border Post, Steps Up Surveillance

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of Mpox in Kenya, raising concerns as the country intensifies efforts to contain the spread of the disease. Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa announced that the case was detected at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County, a critical gateway between Kenya and Uganda.

The infected individual, a male truck driver who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—the epicenter of the current outbreak—began showing symptoms of the communicable disease. The patient has been isolated and is receiving treatment at a health facility in Busia County.

In response to the new case, the Ministry of Health has ramped up surveillance efforts, particularly in border regions and across all counties. “Active surveillance for suspected cases has been enhanced to ensure the spread of the disease is controlled,” Dr. Barasa stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to preventing a wider outbreak.

The Ministry has tested 42 samples for Mpox, with 40 returning negative results. In addition, more than 426,000 travelers have been screened at various ports of entry across the country, a key measure in controlling the disease's spread.

Despite the new case, Dr. Barasa assured the public that health facilities are fully equipped to manage the situation. “Our health facilities are adequately staffed and well-equipped to diagnose and manage this disease, and therefore its identification should not be a cause for alarm,” she said.

This case follows the first Mpox case in Kenya, reported in late July at the Taita Taveta border post. That patient, another truck driver, was quarantined and has since recovered. The Ministry successfully completed a 21-day follow-up of 28 contacts from the first case, with no further symptoms reported.

As the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely, the confirmation of a second case underscores the ongoing risk posed by cross-border travel and the need for continued vigilance to prevent the spread of Mpox in Kenya.