Embu records 4 confirmed Mpox cases, health officials say
By Brian Malila, June 11, 2026Embu County has recorded four confirmed cases of Mpox since the first infection was detected on May 30, 2026.
The Embu County Executive Committee Member for Health, Jamal Runyenje, announced efforts by the County to contain the spread.
Speaking during the ongoing Daktari Mashinani medical outreach at Kairuri Dispensary in Manyatta Constituency on Thursday 11, June 2026, Runyenje said authorities have intensified contact tracing efforts to track and monitor people who may have interacted with the infected individuals.
According to Runyenje, all confirmed patients have been isolated in designated facilities across the county and are responding positively to treatment while under close observation by medical personnel.
“The patients are in stable condition, and our healthcare teams are closely monitoring their recovery while ensuring all recommended health measures are followed,” he said.
Steps taken by the Embu County
To curb further transmission, the County government has enhanced disease surveillance, strengthened screening services at health facilities, activated rapid response teams, and launched public awareness campaigns.
Runyenje noted that health officers have been deployed throughout the county to educate residents on Mpox, identify suspected cases, and encourage those experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
He assured residents that the county’s health system remains fully prepared to handle any additional cases, stressing that collaboration between the public and healthcare workers is essential in controlling the spread of the disease.
The health official further advised residents to observe proper hygiene practices, avoid close contact with individuals showing signs of infection, and cooperate with health officials conducting contact tracing exercises.
At the same time, Runyenje dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the county government intends to establish an Ebola quarantine facility, terming the information as misleading and untrue.
What to know about Mpox
Mpox is an infectious disease that can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
According to the WHO, Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, which includes variola, cowpox, vaccinia and other viruses.
There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb).
A global outbreak of clade IIb began in 2022 and continues to this day, including in some African countries. There are also growing outbreaks of clades Ia and Ib affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries in Africa. As of August 2024, clade Ib has also been detected beyond Africa.
The natural reservoir of the virus is unknown, but various small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are susceptible.