Ministry of Health Issues New Directives for Schools to Combat Mpox

A teacher and students during a learning lesson in Kenya.
A teacher and students during a learning lesson in Kenya.
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UNICEF

Schools have been advised to exercise extra caution as cases of Mpox continue to rise in the country.

To ensure the health and well-being of students amidst the surge in cases, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki has issued six recommendations to schools and advised school heads to adhere to them.

To prevent and control the spread of Mpox in schools, the ministry has recommended that both students and staff frequently wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers, especially after touching surfaces or engaging in physical activities.

Schools will now be required to clean and disinfect classrooms, staff rooms, bathrooms, and common areas.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni during a service at African Inland Church (AIC) Pioneer in Eldoret on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni during a service at African Inland Church (AIC) Pioneer in Eldoret on Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Ministry of Health

The Ministry has advised all school personnel including teachers to be trained to identify Mpox symptoms and take appropriate action when they suspect any case.

Symptoms of Mpox may include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and general fatigue.

Any individual who is suspected to have any of the symptoms tied to the disease should be referred to a healthcare facility for testing and refrain from attending school until cleared by a doctor.

Although physical distancing is no longer mandatory, the ministry advises schools to keep classrooms well-ventilated and ensure students are not crowded in any area.

Additionally, assemblies large gatherings, and events like sports must adhere to health and safety guidelines.

"We strongly advise the general public to follow these public health measures and seek medical attention in any of the nearest health facilities if experiencing M-pox-like symptoms," Muthoni emphasised in the statement.

The cases have been reported across 12 counties including 10 cases in Nakuru, and eight in Mombasa, with Nairobi, Kajiado,  Bungoma, Taita Taveta and Kericho reporting two cases each.

Busia, Makueni, Kilifi, Kiambu and Uasin Gishu have one case each.

To accelerate the response to the outbreak in affected counties, the Ministry in collaboration with county governments and partners has enhanced surveillance.

A rash on an Mpox's patient's hand.
A rash on an Mpox's patient's hand.
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