- Maina urged residents to stay calm and seek updates and information from official sources.
- Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa announced on Friday that the government has intensified surveillance efforts after the first case of Mpox was reported in Taita Taveta county
Image: CDC/ HANDOUT
The Kiambu county has allayed fears of Mpox outbreak, calling for calm after one suspected case.
County health executive Elias Maina said the case is undergoing laboratory investigation. He said more information will be provided as soon as the results are available.
“At this point, there is no cause for concern. The county government has implemented all essential measures to ensure safety and well-being of our residents,” he said.
The county said it is closely monitoring the situation and is fully prepared to address any developments.
Maina urged residents to stay calm and seek updates and information from official sources.
Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa announced on Friday that the government has intensified surveillance efforts after the first case of Mpox was reported in Taita Taveta county.
Out of the suspected 12 people who underwent screening, six turned negative.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the government will utilise the same protocols it employed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At the border points, we have deployed active measures including thermoguns, thermoscanners, personal protective equipment, handwashing stations and hand sanitisers. We are also raising awareness among the public on steps to take to prevent Mpox,” she said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) characterizes Mpox, also known as monkeypox, as an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Symptoms can include a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscle and back pain, headaches and chills. Although most people recover fully, the disease can be lethal in certain cases.
Mpox is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, including touch, kissing, or sexual activity. It can also be spread from animals during hunting or cooking. Additionally, transmission can occur via contaminated items such as bedding or needles, and from pregnant individuals to their unborn children.
The public is encouraged to take precautions to prevent mpox by avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with individuals who have a rash or sores, washing hands frequently with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Steering clear of animals that may carry the virus and use of protective equipment, such as gloves and masks, when caring for someone who is ill is also advised.
Individuals seeking more information or assistance are encouraged to reach out to the Kiambu County Government through their emergency call center at phone number 0700 820 227.