The first case of Mpox in Kenya has been confirmed at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP).
In a statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Ministry of Health revealed that the disease was diagnosed in an individual travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
Presentation and Spread Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. patients present with skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, generalized aches and swollen lymph nodes.
Person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on the genitals. The disease can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Risk of Transmission in the Country Mpox is endemic in the forested areas of East, Central and West Africa. Since May 2022, a multi-country outbreak has been ongoing globally with peak cases in August 2022 and June-November 2023.
A single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak.
The high population movement between Kenya and other East African countries especially through the Northern and Central transport corridors is a significant risk for regional transmission since several countries in the region are currently reporting cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment Diagnosis of Mpox is done through confirmatory laboratory tests from the skin lesions. These tests can be done in the National Public Health Laboratory and other specialized laboratories in the country.
M-pox usually resolves without complications within 2-4 weeks. Symptomatic treatment may however be offered to patients if necessary. Complicated cases should be referred to medical professionals for specialized treatment.
Other common diseases may present with similar features, including chicken pox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, and allergic reactions, among others.
Public Health Advisory
To protect yourself, your family, and the community from the spread of Mpox, please adhere to the following measures:
▪️Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
▪️If you have symptoms, seek health advice, avoid close contact with others, and visit the nearest health facility for management.
▪️Avoid close contact with anyone with suspected or confirmed Mpox.
Ongoing Response Activities
The Ministry of Health has assured the public that it remains committed to containing the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease by working with the County Governments, Port Health Authorities and other relevant Government Agencies to enhance surveillance, report suspected cases and disseminate information on preventive measures to the general public.
“Further updates will be provided as the information becomes available”.
For further information, Kenyans are advised to contact the Ministry of Health Hotline 719, or 0729471414/ 0732 353535.
