The government has issued an advisory warning Kenyans against handling or consuming bush meat in the wake of the outbreak of Mpox disease.
Kenya has so far reported two cases, the latest being that of a male truck driver at the Malaba One Stop Border post in Busia.
In a statement issued to newsrooms, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano noted that despite the reported cases having been isolated, there was need for Kenyans to remain vigilant to avert a potential eruption.
"The spread of zoonotic ailments—be they bacterial, viral or parasitic—occurs through direct contact or through food, water or the environment and are of significant public health concern globally," she stated.
Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease meaning that it is communicable between wild animals and human beings.
According to Miano, the emergence and re-emergence of such diseases is due to the changing climate conditions hence the need to stay away from bushmeat.
She stated that the Kenya Wildlife Service in partnership with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) are actively working with the Directorate of Veterinary Service and Ministry of Health under the One Health approach through the Zoonotic Technical Working Group.
"We are on high alert and we shall continue to sensitise communities living adjacent to wildlife domiciles or alongside wildlife in conservancies and community areas," she added.
This is as she reminded the residents that bushmeat poaching and hunting is a criminal offence punishable by law.
"In any event, the public ought to keep in mind that the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013 prohibits bushmeat poaching and hunting," said the CS.
