The Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance and response measures to counter the growing threat of multiple disease outbreaks in the neighbouring countries, including Mpox, Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), and Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SEBV).
As Kenya battles the ongoing Mpox outbreak, authorities remain on high alert to prevent the importation and spread of other deadly diseases from neighboring countries.
Kenya’s Ministry of Health confirmed an ongoing outbreak of Mpox, with 41 confirmed cases reported across 12 counties since July 2024.
Permanent Secretary, state department for public health and professorial standards,Ministry of Health, Mary Muthoni, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with county governments and key partners, is actively monitoring and responding to this outbreak to prevent further spread.”
According to the PS, three new cases of Mpox were confirmed this week, bringing the total number of cases to 41 since the outbreak began in July 2024. The cases have been reported across 12 counties, with Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8), and Busia (7) among the most affected regions. The latest infections were all recorded in Busia County.
“So far, 271 contacts of the confirmed cases have been identified, with 246 having completed the 21-day monitoring period, while 16 are still under observation,” PS Muthoni disclosed. “Additionally, 3.3 million travelers have been screened at points of entry.”
The Ministry, in collaboration with county governments and partner organizations, has ramped up surveillance in high-risk counties, deploying rapid response teams for active case search, contact tracing, and patient management. Community engagement efforts are also being strengthened to enhance public awareness on prevention measures.
To curb the spread of Mpox in schools, PS Muthoni confirmed that the Ministry’s school health program is working closely with the Ministry of Education to ensure infection prevention and control measures are in place.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has ramped up surveillance in high-risk counties, deploying rapid response teams for case searches, contact tracing, and management. The response strategy also includes mental health and psychosocial support for affected individuals and their families.
Additionally, risk communication and community engagement initiatives have been launched to educate the public on Mpox prevention and control measures.
To curb infections in educational institutions, the Ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Education to enforce stringent infection prevention and control measures in schools.
Meanwhile, East Africa is grappling with multiple outbreaks of highly infectious and deadly diseases. The Republic of Rwanda successfully contained a Marburg Virus outbreak between September and December 2024.
However, in January 2025, Tanzania declared a new Marburg Virus outbreak that has already claimed 10 lives, reflecting a concerning 100percent fatality rate.
In Uganda, health officials have confirmed an outbreak of the Sudan strain of Ebola Virus Disease, with two cases reported and one fatality recorded, marking a 50percent fatality rate.
These ongoing outbreaks in neighboring countries heighten Kenya’s risk of cross-border disease transmission, necessitating urgent intervention and coordination to safeguard public health.
PS Muthoni, alongside WHO Country Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo and IOM Chief Migration Officer Basnet Mukunda, visited Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to engage the Border Management Committee on strengthening disease surveillance and response.
With Kenya facing a Mpox outbreak and the region grappling with Marburg and Ebola threats, reinforced border screening, rapid response mechanisms, and public awareness are essential to preventing disease importation and safeguarding public health.
To enhance surveillance, Terminal 1A, Gate 16 has been designated as the sole entry point for travelers from Uganda and Tanzania, where Marburg and Ebola cases have been reported. A multi-agency strategy is being implemented to operationalize the Kenya Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan across all Points of Entry.
“Kenya remains committed to protecting public health through proactive surveillance and emergency preparedness. By working closely with global partners, we are strengthening our capacity to detect and respond to disease threats at our borders,” said PS Muthoni.
WHO and IOM reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kenya in fortifying emergency response efforts, ensuring the country is well-prepared to address emerging health challenges.
Marburg Virus Disease and Ebola Virus Disease share similar transmission patterns, spreading through direct contact with the bodily fluids, blood, or secretions of infected individuals, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials like bedding and clothing. Healthcare workers, caregivers, and family members without proper protective equipment are particularly vulnerable.
Common symptoms include fever, headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, and body weakness. In severe cases, hemorrhagic symptoms such as internal and external bleeding may occur. Seeking immediate medical attention upon symptom onset is critical for survival and containment of further transmission.
The Ministry of Health has reinforced public health directives, urging citizens to remain vigilant. Travelers arriving from Uganda or Tanzania at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will be screened by Port Health staff at Gate 16 and required to complete the Traveler Health Surveillance Form if necessary.
Additionally, travelers from Tanzania displaying Marburg Virus symptoms—including fever, headache, lethargy, anorexia, joint pain, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, or diarrhea—must also complete the health surveillance form upon arrival. Operators of conveyances originating from or transiting through Tanzania are mandated to submit passenger manifests and health declaration forms to Port Health Officers at entry points.
Health workers are advised to strictly adhere to infection prevention and control protocols while ensuring the swift identification and management of suspected cases.
For accurate and up-to-date information, the public is encouraged to consult healthcare professionals, community health promoters, or visit the Ministry of Health’s official website at www.health.go.ke.
The Ministry can also be reached through hotline numbers 719, 0729 471 414, or 0732 35 35 35.
