Residents of Embu County have been urged to remain calm but alert after health officials confirmed a case of Mpox in the region. The county government said laboratory tests completed on May 30, 2026, confirmed the infection, marking the first recorded case in the county.

The case involves a 29-year-old woman from Kagaari North Ward in Runyenjes Sub-County. Health authorities said she was identified after showing symptoms that prompted testing at a local health facility.

In a statement, Embu County Executive Committee Member for Health Jamal A. Runyenje confirmed the development and said the county moved quickly to respond after receiving the results.

“Fellow residents of Embu County, I wish to officially inform you that the Department of Health has confirmed the first case of Mpox in Embu County following laboratory results received on 30th May 2026,” he said.

Following the confirmation, county health teams activated outbreak response systems. These include case investigation, contact tracing, active case search, enhanced surveillance, infection prevention measures, and community awareness campaigns. The County Government said it is working closely with the Ministry of Health.

Officials said all health facilities in Embu have been placed on high alert to detect and isolate suspected cases early. Medical teams have also increased monitoring in communities where the patient lives and in surrounding areas.

Vigilance

Mpox is a viral disease that spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. Health experts also warn that prolonged face-to-face exposure and contact with infected animals can spread the virus. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a skin rash that may develop into lesions.

Runyenje urged residents not to panic but to take precautions and report symptoms early.

“If you develop symptoms such as fever, skin rash, unusual lesions, or swollen lymph nodes, please seek medical attention immediately at the nearest health facility,” he said.

He added that prevention remains the most effective tool in controlling the spread of the disease. He advised residents to wash hands regularly, avoid close contact with people showing symptoms, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and clothing. He also urged cooperation with public health officers conducting tracing and surveillance.

Health officials emphasised that early reporting can help stop further transmission. They warned that delaying treatment or ignoring symptoms increases the risk of spread within families and communities.

The county government also called on residents to rely only on official communication channels to avoid misinformation. Officials said they will continue issuing updates as investigations progress and as more information becomes available.

Mpox continues to be reported in several parts of the country, placing pressure on public health systems to strengthen surveillance and response. The World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have both warned that the virus remains a public health concern in parts of Africa, especially where transmission occurs through close contact and within households.

Health experts say the situation in Embu highlights the need for continued vigilance even as counties strengthen preparedness. They note that quick detection, isolation, and contact tracing remain the key tools in controlling outbreaks.

Runyenje reiterated the county’s commitment to protecting residents and said the response teams will remain active until the situation is fully contained.

“The county government of Embu remains fully committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our people. We shall continue providing timely updates as investigations and response activities progress,” he said.

He urged residents to stay calm and support health teams on the ground. “Early reporting saves lives and prevents further spread,” he added.

As surveillance continues, health authorities say there is no need for panic, but communities must stay alert and follow public health guidance to prevent further transmission of the disease.