Mpox Case Confirmed in Malaba as Fears of Marburg Virus Spread Rise

Health authorities in Malaba, Kenya, are grappling with the confirmation of a Mpox case and the looming threat of a potential Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak. 

This bustling border town, a vital gateway for trade and transportation, faces unique challenges in managing and containing infectious diseases due to its porous nature and high traffic volumes.

The Truck Driver’s Case: A Wake-Up Call

On Saturday, Kelvin Tangara, the Teso North Sub-County Disease Surveillance Coordinator, confirmed that a long-distance truck driver tested positive for Mpox. The patient was treated at Kocholia Sub-County Hospital and discharged after recovery. 

Speaking during a burial ceremony in Malaba, Tangara underscored the critical need for preventive measures in the region, highlighting the lax enforcement of health guidelines such as social distancing during public gatherings.

Mpox in Kenya: A Growing Concern

Mpox, a viral disease characterized by fever, rash, and skin lesions, is transmitted through close physical contact, including sexual contact, or by touching contaminated surfaces. 

Kenya’s first Mpox case was confirmed on July 31, 2024. By January 17, 2025, the country had recorded 33 cases, with 14 spread across 11 counties: Nakuru, Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, Mombasa, Makueni, Kajiado, Bungoma, Kilifi, Uasin Gishu, and Kericho. 

UNICEF Kenya’s Humanitarian Situation Report (October 31, 2024) also reported one fatality linked to the disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a global health emergency in August 2024. In response, Kenya intensified surveillance, public education, and contact tracing efforts. 

Despite these measures, gaps remain in enforcing preventive practices, particularly in high-risk areas like Malaba.

Uganda’s Context: Vigilance Amid Cross-Border Trade

While Uganda has not reported recent Mpox cases, its proximity to Kenya and shared border dynamics pose a significant risk. The seamless movement of people and goods across the border highlights the need for coordinated disease control efforts between the two nations.

The Marburg Virus Threat

Compounding the public health challenges is the looming threat of a Marburg virus disease outbreak. Tangara warned that Malaba’s position along the northern transport corridor makes it especially vulnerable. 

Marburg, a severe and highly contagious disease, presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding, shock, and organ failure, with a high fatality rate.

“With no approved treatments or vaccines for Marburg, rapid action for those showing symptoms is crucial to improving survival rates,” Tangara emphasized.

The threat became more pronounced after WHO confirmed a Marburg outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region on January 10, 2025. 

The outbreak involved six cases, five of which were fatal, with symptoms such as high fever, severe back pain, vomiting blood, and external bleeding. The proximity of Tanzania’s outbreak to Kenya’s border heightens the risk of cross-border transmission.

The Role of Border Towns

Malaba’s role as a busy border town amplifies the challenges of disease control. Its heavy traffic of long-distance truck drivers and traders creates conditions ripe for the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Tangara highlighted the need for immediate measures, including:

Enhanced Surveillance: Increasing monitoring at border points to identify and isolate suspected cases early.

Community Education: Raising awareness among residents and travelers about Mpox and Marburg symptoms and encouraging prompt medical attention.

Preventive Measures: Strengthening enforcement of social distancing, hand hygiene, and minimizing public gatherings.

Collaboration Across Borders

The dual threat of Mpox and Marburg underscores the importance of regional cooperation. Health officials in Kenya and Uganda must synchronize their surveillance, information-sharing, and response strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.

As the world continues to battle the resurgence of infectious diseases, Malaba serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for vigilance, preparedness, and regional solidarity in protecting public health.