By James Okoth
The County Department of Public Health and Sanitation has confirmed the first-ever case of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in Kisumu County, prompting a swift public health response and heightened surveillance across all health facilities.
In a press statement issued, the County Government said the case was confirmed by the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Nairobi. The patient, a 42-year-old male, recently travelled from South Sudan and developed symptoms while still in Juba.
According to the department, the patient boarded a Simba Coach bus from Busia to Kisumu on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, departing at 7:00 a.m. and arriving at around 10:00 a.m. Health officials have classified all passengers who shared that journey as potential contacts and are urging them to present themselves at the nearest health facility should they develop any symptoms.
The patient was admitted to Kisumu County Referral Hospital upon arrival and immediately placed under isolation. He remains stable and is receiving appropriate supportive care under close medical supervision.
County Response Activated
The County Department of Public Health and Sanitation has activated a coordinated response plan designed to contain any potential spread of the virus.
Key interventions include:
- Case Isolation – The confirmed patient remains isolated at Kisumu County Referral Hospital to prevent further transmission.
- Contact Tracing – Four close contacts have been identified and placed under active observation.
- Enhanced Surveillance – County-wide surveillance has been intensified, with a working case definition shared across all health facilities to guide early detection.
- Community and Health Worker Sensitization – Healthcare workers are being trained on case management, infection prevention, and safe handling practices. Public sensitization campaigns are also underway to encourage early reporting and safe caregiving.
County Public Health officials have reassured residents that there is no cause for alarm, but vigilance remains critical in preventing a possible outbreak.
Public Advisory
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close physical contact, including contact with skin lesions, body fluids, contaminated materials, or prolonged face-to-face interaction.
The County Government has urged members of the public to take the following precautions:
●Passengers who travelled on the Simba Coach bus from Busia to Kisumu on November 19 (departed 7:00 a.m., arrived 10:00 a.m.) should contact the Emergency Operations Center via the toll-free line 0800 720 575 for guidance.
●Avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting a rash, skin lesions, or unexplained sores.
●Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water.
●Do not share personal items such as bedding, towels, clothing, or utensils.
●Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headache, or a new rash.
●Report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or Public Health Office.
Symptoms to Watch For
Health officials advise that symptoms of Mpox often begin with fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and fatigue, followed by a rash or lesions that may appear on the face, genitals, or other parts of the body and later progress into blisters.
The County Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and assured residents that all necessary containment measures are in place.> “Kisumu County KISUMU COUNTY CONFIRMS FIRST CASE OF MPOX, ISSUES PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
By Staff Reporter, The Standard
KISUMU, Kenya, November 25, 2025 — The County Department of Public Health and Sanitation has confirmed the first-ever case of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) in Kisumu County, prompting a swift public health response and heightened surveillance across all health facilities.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the County Government said the case was confirmed by the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Nairobi. The patient, a 42-year-old male, recently travelled from South Sudan and developed symptoms while still in Juba.
According to the department, the patient boarded a Simba Coach bus from Busia to Kisumu on Tuesday, November 19, 2025, departing at 7:00 a.m. and arriving at around 10:00 a.m. Health officials have classified all passengers who shared that journey as potential contacts and are urging them to present themselves at the nearest health facility should they develop any symptoms.
The patient was admitted to Kisumu County Referral Hospital upon arrival and immediately placed under isolation. He remains stable and is receiving appropriate supportive care under close medical supervision.
County Response Activated
The County Department of Public Health and Sanitation has activated a coordinated response plan designed to contain any potential spread of the virus.
Key interventions include:
- Case Isolation – The confirmed patient remains isolated at Kisumu County Referral Hospital to prevent further transmission.
- Contact Tracing – Four close contacts have been identified and placed under active observation.
- Enhanced Surveillance – County-wide surveillance has been intensified, with a working case definition shared across all health facilities to guide early detection.
- Community and Health Worker Sensitization – Healthcare workers are being trained on case management, infection prevention, and safe handling practices. Public sensitization campaigns are also underway to encourage early reporting and safe caregiving.
County Public Health officials have reassured residents that there is no cause for alarm, but vigilance remains critical in preventing a possible outbreak.
Public Advisory
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close physical contact, including contact with skin lesions, body fluids, contaminated materials, or prolonged face-to-face interaction.
The County Government has urged members of the public to take the following precautions:
Passengers who travelled on the Simba Coach bus from Busia to Kisumu on November 19 (departed 7:00 a.m., arrived 10:00 a.m.) should contact the Emergency Operations Center via the toll-free line 0800 720 575 for guidance.
Avoid close contact with anyone exhibiting a rash, skin lesions, or unexplained sores.
Wash hands regularly with soap and clean water.
Do not share personal items such as bedding, towels, clothing, or utensils.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, headache, or a new rash.
Report suspected cases to the nearest health facility or Public Health Office.
Symptoms to Watch For
Health officials advise that symptoms of Mpox often begin with fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue, followed by a rash or lesions that may appear on the face, genitals, or other parts of the body and later progress into blisters.
The County Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and assured residents that all necessary containment measures are in place.
“Kisumu County Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the health and safety of all residents. We urge calm, cooperation and vigilance as we continue monitoring the situation closely,” the statement read.
Regular updates will be provided as investigations and contact tracing efforts continue.
For urgent concerns or additional information, residents are encouraged to call the Emergency Operations Center toll-free line: 0800 720 575.
