The Ministry of Health (MoH) has revealed that there has not been any new case of Mpox in the country since the initial outbreak was confirmed on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
In a recent update on Saturday, August 3, 2024, MoH reported that the confirmed case involves a long-distance truck driver travelling from Uganda to Kenya, passing through Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Tanzania.
“We continue to monitor the one confirmed case, who travelled from Kampala in Uganda to Mombasa, then to Rwanda through Taita Taveta and Tanzania. The case, a long-distance truck driver, is now back in Kenya,” MoH stated.
Following the confirmation of the Mpox case, MoH says it has implemented various response measures.
These include intensive contact tracing along the patient’s travel routes and at key locations such as workplaces and hospitals.
Enhanced surveillance has been activated in counties along major transportation corridors like the Busia to Mombasa highway and the Mombasa to Taveta Road.
“We are tracing all close contacts at his workplace, the hospital where he was admitted, and along his travel routes,” the Ministry assured.
Additionally, cross-border communication with health authorities in neighbouring countries has been intensified to track potential contacts.
Rapid response teams have been deployed to affected counties to conduct thorough investigations. Public Health Emergency Operation Centers have been activated nationwide, and incident management teams have been established to coordinate response efforts.
“Public sensitization is crucial. We advise all counties to inform the public about the outbreak, preventive measures, and steps to take if they contract the disease,” the Ministry stated.
Prevention measures for Mpox
Citizens are urged to practice frequent handwashing with soap or sanitiser, seek early treatment if symptomatic, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
Emergency hotline numbers (719, 0729471414, and 0732353535) have been provided for reporting suspected cases and obtaining further information.