The Ministry of Health on Wednesday warned of an outbreak of the deadly Mpox disease following the confirmation of the first case in Coastal Kenya.
According to the ministry, the government confirmed the outbreak at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP), from an individual travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Patients exhibit symptoms such as skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, generalized aches and swollen lymph nodes.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Heath reminded Kenyans that a single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak.
"Mpox is endemic in the forested areas of East, Central and West Africa. Since May 2022, a multi-country outbreak has been ongoing globally with peak cases in August 2022 and June-November 2023. A single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak," read the statement in part.
Person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on the genitals. The disease can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
After the case was confirmed, the government issued an advisory to Kenyans. The public was advised to adhere to public health measures to protect themselves, their families, and the community from further spread of the disease.
Additionally, Kenyans were advised to wash hands often with soap and water or alternatively, sanitize their hands.
In case any one exhibits symptoms, they are advised to seek health advice, avoid close contact with other persons and visit the nearest health facility for management.
According to the Ministry of Health's advisory, M-pox usually resolves without complications within 2-4 weeks.
However, the Ministry noted that patients suffering from specific diseases such as chicken pox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies and allergic reactions may exhibit similar symptoms.
The Ministry of Health however assured the public that the government was working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease by working with the County Governments, Port Health Authorities and other relevant Government Agencies to enhance surveillance.
