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Stay vigilant to avert Mpox infections, Governor Njuki tells counties

Health Committee chair Muthomi Njuki says suspected cases should be isolated.

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by SHARON MWENDE

News18 August 2024 - 16:11
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In Summary


  • The Africa Centre for Disease Control and prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency.
  • The Ministry of Health announced that there was no active Mpox virus in the country after the lone confirmed case recovered.
Council of Governors Health Committee chairperson and Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki

The Council of Governors Health Committee chairperson Muthomi Njuki has called on county governments to remain vigilant against the risks of Mpox disease.

The Tharaka Nithi governor said the Council of Governors was working closely with the national government to contain the disease.

He said all Kenyans should be aware of the disease and avoid coming into contact with suspected patients.

"Because we have no vaccine right now or a way of preventing it, we have decided as the government to create awareness," he said.

He said suspected cases and patients confirmed to have contracted the disease should be isolated until they are healed.

"This is awareness that the disease is real so let us not get cuddly with the sick, let us report cases and stay safe," he said.

Governor Njuki was speaking on Sunday during the dedication of PCEA Nkio in Chuka, Meru county.

According to Governor Njuki, there is an established reporting system that is being used to monitor the disease and its possible spread.

So far, Kisii and Kiambu counties have reported suspected cases that are at the testing stage.

Njuki explained what Mpox is, saying in 100 patients, between six and 10 of the infected die.

He warned that the most affected are children, the old and those with low immunity.

Njuki said the disease which causes lesions on skin also affects those who come into contact with animals.

He advised Kenyans to observe hygiene, wash their hands and ensure they report those they suspect as sick.

This comes a day after the Ministry of Health announced that there was no active Mpox virus in the country.

The patient who had been confirmed infected in Taita Taveta recovered, the ministry said.

"The Ministry of Health wishes to reassure Kenyans that there is no active case of Mpox disease in the country following the uneventful recovery of the index case that was identified on July 29, 2024," Health CS Deborah Barasa said in a statement.

The Africa Centre for Disease Control and prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency.

On August 14, the World Health Organization similarly declared the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

CS Barasa said that there are no new confirmed case/s of Mpox reported in the country since the first confirmed case.

Kenya will benefit from a Sh2 billion fund that donors are putting together to fight the spread of Mpox.

WHO said it anticipates an immediate funding requirement of at least $15 million (about Sh1.9 billion) to support surveillance, preparedness and response activities.

Most of the support will go to African countries, the epicentre of the current outbreak.

"We have released about $1.5 million (about Sh193.5 million) from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies and we plan to release more in the coming days. We are also appealing to donors to fund the rest of the response plan," WHO director general Tedros Adhanom said.

Most people with Mpox get a rash and recover without treatment after a few weeks. In rare cases, people can become extremely sick and die.

Mpox has killed at least 450 people in the DRC in recent months, linked to a new type or Clade called 1b.

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