Kenya Issues Update on Mpox Patient After WHO Alert

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has announced that there is no active case of Mpox in the country, allaying fears weeks after one person was reported to have contracted it. The government said clarifying that the patient has since recovered fully.

Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa, said Kenya has so far reported only one case of Mpox involving a person who had travelled from Kampala in Uganda to Mombasa, then proceeded to Rwanda via Tanzania through the Taita Taveta one-stop-border point.

“We have screened 12 people who came into contact with the index case and another six different suspected cases, all of whom have tested negative,” said Dr Barasa in a statement released on Friday.

The CS explained, the World Health Organisation declared the sitauation a public health issue of international concern.

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Dr Barasa said the Ministry of Health continues to undertake various response measures to prevent new cases, including heightened surveillance across the country. “As a ministry, we have also issued advisories as we call on our healthcare workers to sensitise the public on the identification of Mpox cases as well as infection prevention and control measures,” said CS Barasa.

She said health officials have been advising people to undertake frequent hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitisers and avoid contact with individuals showing Mpox-like symptoms.

Mpox Signs and Symptoms

Dr Barasa explained symptoms of Mpox include skin rash, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph glands, which typically last for two to four weeks.

“If you or your loved one experience the above signs and symptoms and have a history of travelling to an area reporting Mpox cases, or have come into direct contact with someone with such signs and symptoms, kindly tell anyone you have been in close contact with in the last 21 days to report to the nearest health facility and provide such information,” advised the CS.

Dr Barasa called on all those who have such symptoms to visit the nearest health facility for assessment by a qualified health professional, cover the lesions, wear a well-fitting mask when around other people, and avoid physical contact with others.

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“The Ministry remains committed to the health and safety of all Kenyans and appreciates the cooperation of the public, the media, and all stakeholders in managing and preventing the spread,” said Dr Barasa.

The CS said the government will provide timely updates as more information becomes available to ensure the health and safety of all Kenyans. “We, however, urge all members of the public and stakeholders, including the media, to verify any information on Mpox with the Ministry before releasing it to the public,” said Dr Barasa. (KNA)