By Violet Auma
Kenya is on high alert following confirmation of 31 Mpox cases across 12 counties, as announced by the Ministry of Health. The viral disease, which was first identified in the country on July 31, 2024, has raised significant public health concerns.
The affected counties include Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8), Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Nairobi (2), Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Kiambu (1), Makueni (1), Kericho (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Kilifi (1). Notably, a long-distance truck driver in Malaba, Busia County, recently tested positive and is currently receiving care at Kocholia Sub-County Hospital.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals. Symptoms include fever, a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue. The disease can be severe for children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, including people living with uncontrolled HIV.
Globally, Mpox has become a growing concern. From January to November 2023, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) reported 12,569 suspected cases, including 581 deaths. Outbreaks have also been documented in over 120 countries since 2022, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) twice—in May 2022 and August 2024.
Rising Cases and Regional Spread
The disease’s proximity to Kenya’s borders with Uganda and Tanzania has heightened fears of further spread. According to UNICEF’s Kenya Humanitarian Situation Report, 11 of Kenya’s 47 counties had reported Mpox cases as of October 2024, with one death recorded.
Experts emphasize the importance of risk communication and public awareness. Speaking about preventive measures, Teso North Sub-County Diseases Coordinator Kelvin Tangara urged health officials to remain vigilant, particularly in border regions like Malaba.
Transmission and Prevention
Mpox spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets, and contact with contaminated objects. The disease can also pose severe risks during pregnancy, potentially leading to stillbirths or complications for the newborn.
Preventive measures include Isolating infected individuals until symptoms resolve and lesions heal, Educating the public on hygiene and safe practices, Vaccinating high-risk groups, such as health workers, individuals in close contact with infected persons, and those with multiple sexual partners.
The Ministry of Health, supported by partners such as UNICEF, has intensified public health education campaigns. Advocacy, communication, and social mobilization efforts are underway to curb the spread of the disease.
Call to Action
With no proven antiviral treatment for Mpox, supportive care remains critical. Authorities encourage individuals to seek medical attention early and adhere to isolation guidelines to prevent further transmission.
The Ministry of Health, led by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki, is set to host a media briefing today at Sarova Panafric Hotel, Nairobi, to discuss Kenya’s ongoing response to Mpox. This underscores the government’s commitment to addressing this emerging public health threat effectively.
Public cooperation remains vital to ensuring the success of prevention and control measures as Kenya joins global efforts to combat Mpox.
