Mombasa Confirms Two Mpox Deaths as Infections Surge in Nyali and Changamwe
Health officials in Mombasa have confirmed two deaths linked to Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, as infections continue to climb in the coastal city. Mombasa is currently among 21 counties with confirmed cases of the virus.
According to Dr Mohammed Hanif, the Mombasa County Director of Clinical Services, 226 Mpox cases have been recorded nationwide, with four deaths reported—two of them in Mombasa. The virus was first detected in Kenya on July 31, 2024.
The county’s first case emerged on September 3, 2024. Since then, 159 individuals have been tested, with 98 confirmed positive. Currently, 24 patients are receiving care at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital’s isolation and treatment unit in Utange.
“This illness is with us. So far, 98 individuals have tested positive out of 159 samples collected. We now have 24 patients undergoing treatment in isolation,” said Dr Hanif.
The most affected areas are Nyali and Changamwe sub-counties, accounting for 23.6% and 19% of total infections respectively. Most patients fall within the 26–45 age bracket, though cases have been reported in individuals as young as 12.
Since the outbreak began, 86 patients have been admitted. Of these, 60 have recovered and tested negative, while one case remains pending.
Mpox typically causes a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. While most recover fully, people with weakened immune systems or underlying health issues face a higher risk of severe illness or death.
Health experts attribute the recent rise in cases to the virus’s geographical shift, having expanded from Central Africa into East African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Dr Hanif urged Mombasa residents to adhere to public health guidelines and avoid complacency:
“We need collective vigilance. Complacency will only worsen the situation.”
Vincent Omoth from Stawisha Pwani echoed the warning, stressing the heightened vulnerability of individuals living with HIV.
Public health officials continue to call on Kenyans to stay informed and take preventive measures seriously to contain the spread of the virus.
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Mombasa Confirms Two Mpox Deaths as Infections Surge in Nyali and Changamwe