Mpox outbreak confirmed in Chekalini, Kakamega county

By Basil

Chekalini, Kakamega County — Three individuals have tested positive for Mpox in Chekalini Ward, Lugari Sub-County, triggering a rapid response from Kakamega County health authorities. Governor Fernandes Barasa has confirmed the cases and urged residents to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, skin rashes, or swollen lymph nodes.

The confirmed cases include a 52-year-old male truck driver and his spouse, both residents of Chekalini, as well as a woman who had recently traveled from Nairobi through Narok. All three are currently under strict isolation at the Chekalini Isolation Unit.

Governor Barasa stated that six close family members of the confirmed cases have also been placed under a 21-day isolation period as a precautionary measure. “This disease is contagious. That is why we made the decision to keep them under home-based care, and the County Government of Kakamega is ensuring their welfare is fully supported,” he said.

To contain the spread of the virus, Governor Barasa outlined several mitigation measures now underway:

“We are providing treatment and supportive care to both the patients and their families at Lumakanda Sub-County Hospital. In addition, we have deployed rapid response teams equipped with personal protective equipment to conduct active case finding and contact tracing,” the governor noted.

Public health officers have also launched intensive health education and risk communication campaigns in Lugari and other sub-counties. Governor Barasa emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader countywide strategy to combat the outbreak.

A multi-agency team has been established to coordinate Mpox response efforts across the county, with regular engagement with local administrative units.

“We have upscaled surveillance and contact tracing efforts throughout Kakamega and expanded our isolation capacity at Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Lumakanda Sub-County Hospital, and the Chekalini Isolation Centre,” Barasa added.

He reassured the public that the county government is fully committed to safeguarding public health and called on residents to cooperate with health officials, observe hygiene guidelines, and report any suspected symptoms.

Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease similar to smallpox but generally less severe. The disease can spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.