- MoH has now warned the public to avoid close contact with persons with suspected or confirmed disease.
- Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus.
Image: File
The Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of Mpox in Kenya that has been reported at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP).
In a statement on Wednesday, MoH said the patient was travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
MoH has now warned the public to avoid close contact with persons with suspected or confirmed disease.
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.
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.
Mpox is endemic in the forested areas of East, Central and West Africa.
The Ministry advised Kenyans to wash their hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser and if one has symptoms, to seek health advice avoid close contact with other persons and visit the nearest health facility for management.
Since May 2022, a multi-country outbreak has been ongoing globally with peak cases in August 2022 and June-November 2023.
MoH said a single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak.
The high population movement between Kenya and other East African countries 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.
M-pox usually resolves without complications within 2-4 weeks.
MoH however said that symptomatic treatment may be offered to patients if necessary.
Other common diseases may present with similar features, including chicken pox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, allergic reactions, among others.
MoH has assured the public that it will remain 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.