The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued an update on Mpox after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the epidemic a global health emergency.

In a statement on Saturday, August 17, the MoH stated that no new suspected cases have been detected in the country among citizens and travelers between Friday, August 16, and Saturday.

“Active surveillance is ongoing across the country, including points of entry where, in the last 24 hours, 21,350 travelers have been screened at points of entry, with zero (0) suspected Mpox cases detected. The cumulative number of travelers screened to date is 302,436,” the statement read in part.

Further, MoH revealed that five new suspected Mpox cases have been detected over the same period, bringing the cumulative number of identified suspected cases to twenty-nine.

Of these, twenty-three (23) have tested negative for Mpox, while six (6) cases are pending confirmation from the reference laboratory.

“Notably, today we received samples from a suspected Mpox case at Vineyard Hospital in Kiambu County. Currently, the patient is in isolation and management within the county. We will provide timely updates as we receive more information,” MoH said.

Request for Cooperation from the Public

The Ministry said the heightened implementation of Mpox public health measures, such as contact tracing, screening, and heightened surveillance, among other measures, might lead to delays.

For this reason, MoH urged travelers to cooperate and bear with the current arrangements as these measures are meant to protect and safeguard citizens from the disease.

Further, the Ministry urges members of the public to refrain from sharing photos of suspected cases to avoid the spread of misinformation and to respect patient privacy.

Also Read: Kiambu County Clarifies Reported Mpox Case

Confirmed Case and Contact Tracing

Kenya declared the Mpox outbreak on July 31, 2024, following the confirmation of one case in Taveta Sub-County, Taita Taveta County.

The patient has since been discharged from Taveta Sub-County Hospital. Twelve contacts of the confirmed case have been traced and monitored for 21 days, and none have developed symptoms of Mpox.

PS Mary Muthoni Muriuki said the Ministry will continue to monitor and manage the Mpox situation in the country to ensure the health and safety of all Kenyans.

“We continue to screen travelers and monitor suspected cases diligently to prevent the spread of Mpox. We urge the public to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to safeguard against the spread of Mpox,” Muthoni said.

Besides, Muthoni said the Ministry will continue to provide regular updates as more information becomes available.

Also Read: Govt Issues Update on Patient Who Tested Positive for Mpox

WHO Declares Mpox Global Health Emergency

WHO declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak in Africa a global health emergency on August 14. This followed its emergency committee meeting amid concerns that a deadlier strain of the virus, clade Ib, had reached four previously unaffected countries in Africa.

This is the second time in three years that the WHO has designated an Mpox epidemic as a global emergency, the last one being in July 2022.

Preventative Measures 

MoH has previously provided guidelines Kenyans should follow to protect themselves from Mpox and listed the symptoms to look out for.

Kenyans are advised to avoid close contact with infected individuals and always wash their hands with soap and running water.

Besides, you should not touch personal items of infected people or be in contact with wild animals.

“Do not eat wild animals like squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys,” MoH said.

Symptoms

The symptoms include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

“If you experience any symptoms, seek medical care immediately,” MoH said.

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