Mercy Kachenge
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya’s Ministry of Health has intensified efforts aimed at preventing further spread of Mpox disease.
According to the Ministry of Health, their laboratories have confirmed 5 new cases bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 28 across 12 counties.
Dr.Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Health, highlighted that the cases are distributed across several countries, with Nakuru reporting the highest with 9 cases, followed by Mombasa 6, Kajiado 2, Bungoma 2, and Nairobi 2. Other cases have been identified in Busia, Kericho, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, and Kilifi.
Dr. Deborah stated that a total of 2.2 million travelers have been screened at Points of Entry (POE) since the outbreak of Mpox in July 2024. The Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 204 contacts that have been identified and monitored with 147 completing the required mandatory y of 21-day follow-up period, 7 contacts tested positive for Mpox and the remaining 50 are under active follow-up.
According to the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), they have processed 322 samples for testing,28 of which have tested positive, 292 returning negative results for Mpox disease and 2 samples remain pending.
The Ministry of Health continues to engage with the county Government and stakeholders to continue raising awareness and emphasizing the need to adhere to the recommended Mpox preventive measures which will ensure that the disease is contained to avoid further transmission in the country.
To prevent the disease from escalating, the Ministry of Health has issued several preventive measures.
The CS urged the public to avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed cases of individuals, refrain from handling personal items belonging to the infected individuals, and limit sexual partners to minimize exposure.
She also underscored the need to maintain good hygiene through regular hand washing with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Dr. Barasa also emphasized the need for individuals experiencing suspected symptoms to seek medical attention in the nearest health facility. “We will continue to enhance surveillance and monitoring the outbreak countrywide and regionally,’’ she said.
“We urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant through adhering to the preventive measures and cooperate with public health officials in the ongoing efforts to protect our communities and curb the spread of Mpox through contacting emergency hotlines,” she reiterated.
