The government will begin vaccinations against Mpox after the cases increased this week.
The plans to roll out the vaccine come after the number of reported cases hit 36, as more testing continues. The vaccination will target high-risk individuals.
High-risk groups for Mpox include children, pregnant individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and people with multiple or new sexual partners.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that typically progresses through several stages, beginning with flu-like symptoms that appear within 3 to 17 days after exposure to the virus, followed by the development of a rash.
The rash often starts as flat spots that evolve into raised bumps, then fluid-filled blisters, and eventually scab over. It can appear on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.
The rash typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, progressing through these stages before healing.
According to the government, Nakuru County and its neighbouring counties, along with border regions, have been identified as high-risk areas for Mpox.
Out of the 36 cases reported, Nakuru accounts for 10, making it a hotspot for the disease. This rise includes five new cases recorded within the past week.
Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting on Thursday, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reaffirmed the government's commitment to mitigating the spread of Mpox.
"We are closely monitoring emerging cases and implementing measures to reduce risks. Campaigns and awareness programmes have been initiated to educate the public on preventive measures," she said.
Other counties have also reported Mpox cases, including Mombasa (3 cases), Nairobi, Kajiado, Bungoma, Kilifi, Makueni, Kiambu, and Uasin Gishu. Over the past week, Kericho recorded one case, Taita Taveta one, Busia two, and Kilifi one.
How the vaccine is administered
The vaccine is administered using a two-pronged needle. This needle is dipped into the vaccine solution and then used to make multiple small punctures in the skin, typically on the upper arm.
This technique introduces the live vaccinia virus into the superficial layers of the skin, prompting a localised infection. Within 3 to 4 days, a red, itchy sore develops at the vaccination site, indicating a successful "take." This sore progresses to a blister, then a scab, and typically heals within 2 to 4 weeks, leaving a small scar.
During the healing process, the live virus present at the vaccination site can be transmitted to other parts of the body or to other individuals.
