Residents of Embu County have been urged to remain calm while observing public health guidelines after the county government confirmed its first case of Mpox.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Embu County Executive Committee Member for Health, Jamal A. Runyenje, announced that laboratory tests conducted on May 30, 2026, confirmed a positive Mpox infection in a 29-year-old woman from Kagaari North Ward in Runyenjes Sub-County.

Following the confirmation, the county's Department of Health immediately activated emergency outbreak response measures aimed at preventing further transmission of the viral disease. The interventions include case investigation, contact tracing, active case searches, enhanced surveillance, infection prevention and control measures, risk communication, and community sensitisation campaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

Health officials explained that Mpox is transmitted through close contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, respiratory secretions during prolonged exposure, or infected animals. Symptoms commonly include fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, fatigue, and skin rashes or lesions.

Authorities have placed all health facilities across Embu County on high alert and strengthened preparedness measures to ensure rapid detection, isolation, and treatment of suspected cases.

Residents have been advised to practice regular hand hygiene, avoid close contact with suspected cases, refrain from sharing personal items, and cooperate with health officials conducting surveillance and contact tracing. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, unusual skin rashes, lesions, or swollen lymph nodes has been urged to seek immediate medical attention.

"The County Government of Embu remains fully committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our people," Runyenje said, adding that residents should rely only on official government communication channels for accurate information as response efforts continue.