The county government took cognizance of social media reports regarding the suspected case of Mpox in the county.
The Kiambu County government has confirmed that there is a suspected case of Mpox (monkeypox) within the county.
In a press release dated Saturday, August 17 and seen by Viral Tea, the county government took cognizance of social media reports regarding the suspected case of Mpox in the county.
“We wish to confirm that there is indeed a suspected case, which is currently under thorough laboratory investigation. We are awaiting the official lab results and will provide a comprehensive update as soon as they are available,” the statement read in part.
A nurse takes a sample from a child declared a suspected case of Mpox – an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus that sparks off a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. /NBC NEWS
However, Kiambu County residents were assured that there was no need for alarm at this stage, the county government adding that “through the Department of Health Services, has activated all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents.”
The details regarding the suspected case were yet to be revealed. The Ministry of Health has also yet to comment on the matter by the time of publishing this story.
“The County Government of Kiambu is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond promptly and effectively to any developments. We urge the public to remain calm and to follow official channels for updates and information,” added the statement.
Viral Tea has reliably learnt that the suspected Mpox case was reported on Saturday at Vineyard Hospital in Thika of a 21-year-old lady working in an avocado exporting factory in Kenol.
She had been in contact with customers and drivers from Uganda, Tanzania, Bungoma, Sondu Miriu, and Nandi Hills who bring fruits to the factory.
This comes as Kenya has heightened its public health defences against the potentially deadly Mpox virus, leveraging the very protocols that proved crucial in battling the COVID-19 pandemic just a few years ago.
With over 500 lives lost to Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) now classifying the virus as a global public health emergency, Kenya has adopted a vigilant stance, particularly in light of its porous borders with neighbouring East African countries.
More to follow…