The Ministry revealed that the first confirmed case emanated from the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP), from an individual travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Mpox in Kenya. On Wednesday, July 31, Kenyans were cautioned of an outbreak of the deadly disease.
In a statement, the Ministry revealed that the first confirmed case emanated from the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP), from an individual travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
Viral Tea takes a look at the disease which has found its way into Kenyan territory:
Presentation and Spread
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. patients present with skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, generalized aches and swollen lymph nodes.
An illustration of the Mpox virus. /WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on the genitals. The disease can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. It spreads from contact with infected:
- persons, through touch, kissing, or sex
- animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them
- materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles
- pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.
Risk of Transmission in the Country
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 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,” the Ministry of Health stated in part.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of Mpox is done through confirmatory laboratory tests from the skin lesions. These tests can be done in the National Public Health Laboratory and other specialized laboratories in the country.
Mpox usually resolves without complications within 2-4 weeks. Symptomatic treatment may however be offered to patients if necessary. Complicated cases should be referred to medical professionals for specialized treatment.
Other common diseases may present with similar features, including chicken pox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, allergic reactions, among others.
Advisory to the Public
Kenyans are advised to adhere to the following public health measures to protect themselves, their families and the community from further spread of the disease: Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer;
“If you have symptoms, seek health advice and avoid close contact with other persons and visit the nearest health facility for management, avoid close contact with persons with suspected or confirmed disease,” added the statement.
Ongoing Response Activities
The Ministry of Health assured the public that it remains committed to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease by working with the County Governments, Port Health Authorities and other relevant Government Agencies to enhance surveillance, report suspected cases and disseminate information on preventive measures to the general public.
Further updates will be provided as the information becomes available.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni speaking at a medical camp held in Kianyaga on February 4, 2024. /MARY MUTHONI