Kenya is ramping up its preparedness and response to Mpox, the Ministry of Health has announced.
Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth said decisive action and robust partnerships are needed urgently.
Drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, Amoth highlighted the critical importance of early intervention to prevent a wider outbreak.
“Taking action now is essential to protect our population and prevent a potential outbreak,” Amoth told a stakeholders meeting on Monday.
Kenya’s first case of the disease was detected at the Taveta border point.
Authorities said the person who tested positive for the virus travelled through the county along the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is endemic to forested areas of East, Central, and West Africa.
Although only one confirmed case has been reported in the country, the rise in cases across other parts of Africa has spurred calls for increased vigilance.
On Monday, Amoth said the focus was on enhancing Kenya's national response strategy to Mpox.
He outlined key measures, including rapid laboratory testing, community engagement, infection prevention control, and comprehensive case management.
He also underscored the importance of monitoring points of entry to control any potential spread of the disease.
Amoth urged all partners to collaborate in strengthening Kenya's preparedness, stressing that proactive measures are essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring economic stability.
Also present at the meeting were Dr Sultan Matendechero, who called for proper coordination and communication, and Dr Grace Ikahu, Director of Public Health among other key stakeholders.
Virus symptoms include high fever, skin rash, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and general body aches.
The virus can spread through direct contact with a sick person and also through respiratory droplets.
According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1,450 people have died of Mpox across 15 African countries since the start of 2022.
