Mpox scare eases in Kakamega as tests return negative

The County Government of Kakamega has offered reassurance to residents after seven suspected Mpox contacts tested negative. This follows confirmed cases reported earlier this week in Chekalini Ward, Lugari Constituency.

In a statement released on Friday, July 25, 2025, the Department of Health Services confirmed that samples taken from seven close contacts were sent to the National Public Health Lab in Nairobi and all tested negative for the Mpox virus.

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“This news has brought a lot of relief to the families concerned and the medical personnel,” CPA Dr Livingston Imbayi, the Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services in Kakamega County, said.

The announcement comes after Governor Fernandes Barasa confirmed three Mpox cases on July 22. The patients are currently recovering under home-based care and are said to be responding well to treatment.

“The 3 patients so far confirmed are doing well and they will remain in isolation under home-based care for 21 days,” the update read.

Support extended to families

The county government has pledged to continue supporting the affected families with both food and non-food items during the isolation period.

He also assured residents that the County Government is working closely with the Ministry of Health to improve surveillance and raise public awareness.

“We are committed to strengthening our surveillance efforts. The public should feel safe knowing that we are doing everything we can to manage the situation,” he added.

Residents have been urged to stay alert and report any suspected Mpox symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.

“We ask the public to maintain vigilance and report any suspected cases to our health officers, CHPs, or the nearest County Administrators,” Dr Imbayi said.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person, their clothing, or contaminated surfaces. The virus is not considered highly contagious, but it can spread quickly in close-knit communities if not controlled.