Abdirahman Haji
Garissa, Kenya.
Health authorities in Garissa County have confirmed the first case of Mpox (Monkeypox) this year, involving a 35-year-old male healthcare worker, prompting swift containment and public health measures.
According to the Garissa County Department of Health, the case was confirmed on October 29, 2025, following laboratory tests conducted at the National Virology Reference Laboratory (NPHL) in Nairobi.
The patient, an employee at the Garissa County Referral Hospital (GCRH), developed fever, fatigue, and a characteristic rash on October 20.
“The patient is currently isolated at the GCRH Isolation Unit and remains clinically stable,” a county health officer said.
“We have traced and are monitoring six contacts—both household and professional—to prevent further spread,” the official added.
The report noted that the healthcare worker had attended a mental health conference in Nairobi two weeks before symptom onset. Samples collected on October 27 tested positive for Mpox virus.
Following confirmation, the County Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) was activated to coordinate response efforts, including contact tracing, community sensitization, and infection prevention.
“We’ve strengthened Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices in all health facilities and ensured adequate PPE for frontline staff,” the Department of Preventive and Promotive Health Services said in a statement.
The county cited limited technical capacity in Mpox detection and reporting as a key challenge and has sought additional support from the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Kenya office.
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease, has been reported sporadically in parts of Kenya, but this marks Garissa County’s first confirmed case in 2025.
“The situation is under control, and there is no cause for public alarm,” the health department assured, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected rash illnesses to nearby health facilities.