Mpox: Government Condemns Misrepresentation of Facts.

The government has raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and unverified reports on social media regarding the Mpox outbreak.

During a media briefing on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa cautioned against the dissemination of potentially false information. She emphasized the importance of providing Kenyans with accurate and timely updates about the disease.

“We want to remind everyone that suspected cases are not confirmed cases,” Barasa stressed.

She acknowledged the role of media in informing the public but urged caution when reporting unverified information. “We value the efforts of media houses but stress the need for accuracy. We are always available to provide you with the latest information,” she said.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the first and only Mpox case in Kenya on July 31, 2024. The patient, a 42-year-old Kenyan male, is a long-distance truck driver from Kinoo, Kiambu County. He traveled from Kampala, Uganda, to Mombasa, Kenya, on July 12, 2024. At the time of detection at the One Stop Border Point in Taveta, he was en route to Rwanda via Tanzania. The patient has since fully recovered.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It spreads through contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Transmission can occur through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the body fluids of infected wild animals such as non-human primates and rodents.

Globally, Mpox has been primarily affecting the African region. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, recommending enhanced prevention and control measures. Similarly, the Africa CDC has labeled Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Continental Concern.

Barasa noted that her office, in collaboration with other ministries, county governments, and partners, has implemented several measures to safeguard public health. “We have activated the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and the Incident Management System for Mpox to coordinate and manage the response efforts,” she said.

Additionally, National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to assist counties with suspected cases. Counties have also initiated their emergency response mechanisms, with 25 County Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) now operational and coordinating efforts. “All counties have been instructed to activate their Rapid Response Teams,” Barasa added.