Kenya has confirmed one new Mpox case in Makueni county bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 38.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health said these cases have been reported across 12 counties as follows: Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8), Busia (4), Nairobi (2), Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), Makueni (2), Kilifi (2), Kiambu (1) and Uasin Gishu (1).
The ministry stated that a total of 255 contacts of the 38 cases have been identified, 246 of whom have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days, while the others are still being monitored. Nine contacts have tested positive for Mpox so far.
"Additionally, over 3.2 million travellers have been screened at our airports and other points of entry, and suspected cases identified for further investigation," the ministry stated.
"Samples drawn from suspected cases are tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and partner laboratories. Accordingly, 412 samples from suspected cases have undergone testing of which 38 have tested positive and 374 samples have tested negative."
The ministry stated that it had put different interventions in place.
"The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the County Governments and its Partners has stepped up surveillance activities in all high-risk counties and has deployed rapid response teams (RRTs) to support active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation, and symptomatic management of confirmed cases, including mental health and psychosocial support to the infected and affected persons," it said.
"In addition, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) activities are ongoing in the affected counties, to enhance public awareness and knowledge on Mpox prevention and control measures."
According to the statement, to mitigate the spread of Mpox disease in schools, the Ministry’s school health program has been working closely with the Ministry of Education to support infection prevention and control and other public health measures, to forestall any spread of cases in learning institutions.
The ministry urged health workers to remain vigilant with a high index of suspicion for Mpox and to adhere to recommended infection prevention and control measures.
The public has also been advised to adhere to public health preventive measures.
The measures include: avoiding close contact with infected individuals, using personal protective equipment such as gloves when caring for sick loved ones, not sharing bedding and clothing with sick people, practising hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water and reporting any suspected cases to your nearby health facility.
