Kenya’s health authorities are sounding the alarm after confirming three new mpox cases, ending a month-long period without infections. The latest cases have brought the country’s total to 17, prompting increased health measures and calls for public vigilance.
On Friday, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Deborah Barasa, issued a statement urging Kenyans to remain cautious. She also advised against non-essential travel to areas with active mpox transmission, emphasizing the importance of adhering to prevention guidelines.
Barasa confirmed that the three new patients are being treated, while 13 others have fully recovered. Unfortunately, one fatality has been reported. Additionally, health officials have identified 83 contacts of infected individuals, with 78 having completed the mandatory 21-day follow-up. Three of these contacts have since tested positive for mpox.
To curb the spread, the Ministry of Health is advising the public to avoid close contact with infected individuals or their belongings, reduce sexual partners, and practice regular hand hygiene using soap or hand sanitizers.
Kenya’s robust screening efforts at 26 entry points have already checked 1.7 million travelers. In December, the country is set to receive 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine as part of a World Health Organization (WHO)-led initiative, aimed at controlling the outbreak across Africa.
While Kenya has experienced a resurgence in cases, other African nations like Burundi, Liberia, Uganda, and South Africa have not reported any new infections in the past six weeks. Despite this, the continent remains in the acute phase of the outbreak, with over 50,000 mpox cases recorded this year, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease primarily spread through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and the disease typically requires supportive care for recovery.
As the situation evolves, the Ministry of Health continues to monitor and respond to the outbreak, urging all Kenyans to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
