Mombasa confirms two Mpox deaths as cases rise
By Reuben Mwambingu, July 14, 2025Health authorities in Mombasa have confirmed two deaths linked to the Mpox virus, raising fresh concerns over the outbreak spreading in the coastal county.
The virus, previously confined to parts of Central Africa, is now spreading locally with a notable surge in cases during June and July, said County Director of Clinical Services Dr Mohamed Hanif.
Speaking in Mwembe Tayari, Hanif said the county had recorded 98 confirmed cases, with two deaths, a case fatality rate of two per cent.
“Our designated isolation facility is at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) in Utange. So far, we have cumulatively admitted 86 patients, with 24 currently receiving treatment. Out of 159 samples tested, 98 turned positive, 60 were negative, and one is pending results,” Hanif said.
Community transmission
The most affected areas are Nyali and Changamwe sub-counties, accounting for 23.6 per cent and 19 per cent of cases, respectively.
The youngest patient is 12 years old, while most cases occur in the 26-45 age bracket, suggesting local community transmission.
Mpox, formerly monkeypox, is a viral disease causing painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
While most patients recover fully, severe illness and death can occur, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Since Kenya declared a national Mpox outbreak on July 31, 2024, the country has confirmed 226 cases and four deaths across 21 counties.
Mombasa’s index case was detected on September 3, 2024.
Hanif urged vigilance: “We urge residents to know the symptoms – which include rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, sore throat – and report any suspected cases immediately to the nearest health facility or call our hotline: 0793 390 984.”
Mombasa has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and implemented intensified surveillance, contact tracing, and community awareness campaigns through chiefs’ barazas and radio broadcasts.
However, challenges remain. Hanif cited low public awareness, limited healthcare worker training, and erratic supply of diagnostic commodities.
“We are grappling with a community that does not fully understand the risks, and we also lack adequate national government support,” he said.