Silverio Omari
The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed Kenya’s first case of Mpox at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP). According to a statement released on Wednesday, the patient was traveling from Uganda to Rwanda via Kenya.
The MoH has advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals who are suspected or confirmed to have Mpox. This illness, previously known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, generalized aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox can spread through direct contact with infectious lesions or through respiratory droplets. It is typically found in the forested regions of East, Central, and West Africa.
The Ministry urges Kenyans to frequently wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. If symptoms develop, individuals should seek medical advice, avoid close contact with others, and visit a health facility for management.
Since May 2022, a global outbreak has been ongoing, with peak cases occurring in August 2022 and from June to November 2023. The MoH considers even a single case of Mpox as an outbreak.
The high movement of people between Kenya and other East African countries, particularly through Northern and Central transport corridors, poses a significant risk for regional transmission, given that several countries in the area are currently reporting cases.
Mpox generally resolves without complications within 2-4 weeks, but symptomatic treatment may be provided if necessary. Other diseases, such as chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, and allergic reactions, may present with similar symptoms.
The MoH has assured the public of its commitment to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread, collaborating with County Governments, Port Health Authorities, and other relevant agencies to enhance surveillance.
Dj Vnyash
