The Embu County Government has confirmed the first case of Mpox in the county, prompting health authorities to activate emergency response measures and issue a public health alert to residents.
According to the Department of Health, the case was confirmed following laboratory results received on May 30, 2026. The patient is a 29-year-old woman from Kagaari North Ward in Runyenjes Sub-County.
County Executive Committee Member for Health Jamal A. Runyenje said health teams immediately activated the county’s outbreak response mechanisms, including case investigation, contact tracing, active case search, enhanced surveillance, risk communication, infection prevention and control measures, and community sensitization activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Mpox is a viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, respiratory secretions during prolonged exposure, or infected animals.
Symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fatigue, and skin rashes.
The Department of Health has advised residents to remain calm but vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, skin rash, unusual lesions, or swollen lymph nodes.
Members of the public have also been urged to maintain proper hand hygiene, avoid close contact with suspected cases, refrain from sharing personal items, and cooperate with public health officers conducting surveillance and contact-tracing activities.
Runyenje said all health facilities across Embu County have been placed on heightened alert, with preparedness measures intensified to ensure rapid detection, isolation, and management of any suspected cases.
He assured residents that the county government remains committed to protecting public health and will continue providing timely updates as investigations and response activities progress.
The county has further urged residents to rely only on official government communication channels for accurate information, emphasizing that early reporting remains key in saving lives and preventing further spread of the disease.
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