August 11, 2025, Mombasa – The Mombasa County Department of Health is receiving support in managing the Mpox outbreak through treatment and care at the Utange Field Hospital Isolation Centre. Since July 2024, Kenya has recorded 336 Mpox cases in 24 counties, with Mombasa leading at 152 cases.
Teams on the ground, in collaboration with the county health authority, are providing inpatient care for patients with advanced Mpox and coexisting health conditions. The response emphasizes early diagnosis, effective treatment, and continuous patient monitoring.
Beyond establishing the Utange isolation ward, efforts have been made to strengthen infection prevention measures, support the facility with clinical and human resources, and provide nutritional assistance for patients. Public awareness campaigns have also been integrated into ongoing health activities, with 70 peer educators trained and 1,000 sex workers sensitized on Mpox recognition and referral for care.
There is an urgent call for the swift rollout of Mpox vaccination in Mombasa and other high-case counties. The Ministry of Health has recently received Mpox vaccines, and stakeholders are advocating for rapid distribution to curb the spread and protect vulnerable communities.
Mpox is a contagious viral illness marked by rashes, which may appear on the palms, soles, or inside the mouth, often accompanied by fever, sore throat, muscle aches, skin lesions, and swollen lymph nodes. It can spread from animals to humans, between humans, or through contact with contaminated environments.
While most Mpox cases are mild and resolve within two to four weeks, severe illness can occur if not treated promptly. The risk of complications and death increases in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Response teams have also deployed hygienists and healthcare workers, trained them in patient management, and integrated Mpox awareness into broader health promotion activities. Medical and hygiene supplies have been donated to enhance the response capacity.
Health experts stress the need to strengthen community-level case detection and referral systems, combat stigma, and improve health education. Encouraging early care-seeking remains a vital component in containing the outbreak and protecting the most at-risk populations.
With coordinated action, community involvement, and timely vaccination, there is hope to bring the Mpox outbreak under control in Mombasa and beyond.
