Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has assured Kenyans that the government has put up measures to contain the possible spread of Mpox disease.
This was after an outbreak was reported in the Eastern part of the continent.
She reiterated that the government was on high alert to ensure any cases that arise were promptly contained hence there was no cause for alarm or stigma associated with the highly contagious disease.
Speaking during the launch of the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani public awareness campaign in Kapenguria, Muthoni said the ministry has been working round the clock and any suspected cases of the disease have been being handled accordingly.
She revealed that so far only two Mpox virus-positive cases had been reported in the country with one of the victims having been successfully treated and discharged to travel back to their country.
The PS noted that in stringent efforts to combat the spread of the disease in the country, over 400 truck drivers have been so far screened for the Mpox virus at various cross-border points.
“Kenya doesn't have high Mpox prevalence but because of our neighbourhoods, we must be on high alert as a country because there are so complex cross-border movements within the region especially among truck drivers,” Muthoni said.
She clarified that Mpox should not be confused with Covid-19 although it is contracted through coming into close contact with an affected person hence the need to observe the spelt-out preventive health protocols.
According to the World Health Organization, Mpox virus spreads from person to person through close contact which includes skin-to-skin and mouth-to-mouth, or mouth-to-skin contact, and can also include being face-to-face with someone who has it (such as talking or breathing close to another, which can generate infectious respiratory particles.
“This disease does not necessarily call for the wearing of masks but we should enhance human cleanliness and avoid very close contact with suspected cases," PS Muthoni stated.
"As a ministry we have put up measures to ensure that those posing Mpox symptoms are isolated, tested and if found positive, treated. We are also doing contact tracing in case a person has close interaction with other people."
The PS maintained that the MoH has instituted proper surveillance mechanisms thus the situation in the country is under control with many people along the Kenyan borders being under enhanced screening.
