The Ministry of Health (MoH) has confirmed an outbreak of Mpox at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Health Ministry said the reported case of Mpox involved a traveller from Uganda to Rwanda passing through Kenya.
“The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Mpox in Kenya at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP), from an individual travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya,” the Health Ministry said in a statement signed by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki.
This development has raised alarms about the potential regional transmission of the disease.
Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, is a viral illness characterized by a skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headaches, generalized aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
The virus spreads through direct contact with infectious skin lesions or respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
Risk of transmission
The Health Ministry said that Kenya’s high population movement through its Northern and Central transport corridors poses a significant risk for regional transmission of Mpox.
“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,” MoH said.
Diagnosis and treatment
The Health Ministry informed Kenyans that diagnosis of Mpox involves confirmatory laboratory tests from skin lesions, which can be conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory and other specialized laboratories within the country.
The illness typically resolves within 2-4 weeks without complications, but symptomatic treatment may be necessary. Complicated cases should receive specialized medical attention.
Public health advisory
The Ministry of Health has issued a public health advisory urging the public to take the following measures to protect themselves and prevent further spread of Mpox:
1. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
2. If exhibiting symptoms, seek health advice, avoid close contact with others, and visit the nearest health facility for management.
3. Avoid close contact with individuals suspected or confirmed to have Mpox.
Ongoing response
The Health Ministry assured the public of its commitment to containing the outbreak and preventing further spread of the disease.
MoH said that it is working with county governments, Port Health Authorities, and other relevant agencies to enhance surveillance, report suspected cases, and disseminate information on preventive measures to the general public. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Contact information
For further information, the public is advised to contact the Ministry of Health Hotline at 719 or call 0729 47 14 14 / 0732 353535.