Health officials in Busia County have raised alarm over a surge in Mpox infections, urging residents to stay vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facilities.

Busia currently leads with 39 confirmed Mpox cases since December, according to County Disease Surveillance Coordinator Evans Shiraku. Of these, three patients were Ugandan nationals treated at Busia County Referral Hospital. Alarmingly, four new cases were confirmed just last week.

Shiraku expressed concern over the low public awareness of the disease, particularly in Bunyala, Samia, and Butula sub-counties, where no cases have been officially reported. He warned that residents in these areas might be infected but are not seeking medical attention.

“We need more sensitization because the disease may be spreading silently in these communities,” said Shiraku. He urged locals to report individuals showing unusual skin rashes or other Mpox symptoms to health authorities.

The porous Kenya-Uganda border remains a major challenge in disease control, despite ongoing screening efforts at gazetted entry points. Shiraku also highlighted that some long-distance truck drivers, considered a high-risk group, avoid testing for fear of isolation.

Another concern raised was the tendency by some residents to self-medicate using over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, or online prescriptions. Shiraku stressed the importance of seeking professional care, especially now that the county referral hospital has a functioning Mpox screening machine.

Busia County Health Promotion Officer, Nelson Andanje, called on religious leaders, community elders, and local influencers to help spread accurate information about the disease and encourage health-seeking behavior.

At the same time, Busia Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Komen assured residents of the national government’s support through its administrative structures, calling on citizens to be patriotic and proactive in reporting suspected cases.

Nationally, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 110 Mpox cases across several counties. After Busia, Mombasa has reported 26 cases, Nakuru 15, and Makueni 7. Other counties with confirmed cases include Nairobi, Bungoma, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kiambu, and others, each with fewer than five cases.