Mpox Outbreak in Kenya: New Case in Kericho as National Tally Reaches 10

Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a new case of Mpox, bringing the national tally to 10. This comes after a 35-year-old female from Kericho County tested positive for the disease. The announcement was made by Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, who provided an update on the situation and the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the viral infection.

With this new case, the distribution of confirmed Mpox cases is spread across several counties: Nakuru (2), Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Nairobi (1), Mombasa (1), Makueni (1), Kajiado (1), Bungoma (1), and Kericho (1). Despite the increasing number of cases, Dr. Barasa assured the public that no fatalities have been reported so far.

What is Mpox?

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It was first discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in monkeys kept for research, hence the name. The first human case of Mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and since then, it has been reported in other central and western African countries.

Mpox presents with symptoms similar to smallpox, although it is generally milder. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. The disease also causes a rash that often begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body. In some cases, Mpox can lead to severe complications, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women.

Kenya’s Response to Mpox

Since the first confirmed case of Mpox in Kenya, the Ministry of Health has heightened its surveillance efforts to detect and contain the disease. Dr. Barasa emphasized that the Ministry is working closely with public health teams and Community Health Promotors (CHPs) to trace contacts and monitor the spread of the infection.

“Our surveillance efforts remain robust, and the ministry has traced 68 contacts, 61 of whom have been monitored for the recommended 21-day period. The remaining seven contacts are being monitored by our public health teams in the respective counties and Community Health Promotors,” she said in a statement.

Among the traced contacts, only one individual tested positive for Mpox during the monitoring period. The Health Ministry has been vigilant in monitoring individuals who may have come into contact with confirmed cases to prevent further transmission.

Screening Efforts at Points of Entry

In an effort to curb the spread of Mpox, Kenya has implemented strict screening measures at all Points of Entry (POEs). The Ministry of Health continues to screen travellers for symptoms of Mpox, especially those arriving from regions with confirmed outbreaks of the virus.

According to Dr. Barasa, in the last 24 hours alone, 117,377 travellers have been screened. This brings the total number of individuals screened across 26 Points of Entry to 1,146,353. These screening efforts are aimed at identifying potential cases before they enter the country, allowing health officials to take immediate action to prevent further spread.

“We continue to screen travellers at all Points of Entry as part of our comprehensive response to Mpox. So far, we have screened over 1.1 million travellers, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said the Health CS.

Testing and Diagnosis

Kenya’s National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has been instrumental in testing samples to confirm Mpox cases. As of now, the NPHL has received and tested 230 samples, with 10 confirmed positive, 216 testing negative, and another four samples still being analyzed.

Dr. Barasa praised the laboratory’s efforts in ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis of Mpox cases. She also encouraged individuals who experience Mpox symptoms to seek medical attention and get tested to prevent the virus from spreading further.

“We urge anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash to visit their nearest health facility for testing. Early detection is key to preventing the spread of Mpox,” she stated.

A Global Perspective on Mpox

Mpox is not a new disease, but its recent spread to countries outside of its traditional endemic regions has raised global concerns. In 2022, Mpox outbreaks were reported in several countries in Europe, North America, and Asia, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern.

The spread of Mpox to non-endemic regions has been attributed to increased global travel, changes in human-animal interaction, and potentially even climate change, which has affected wildlife habitats. The virus is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected individual or animal, and it can also spread through contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing.

Preventive Measures

Preventing the spread of Mpox requires a multi-faceted approach, including public awareness, contact tracing, isolation of infected individuals, and vaccination. While Kenya has not yet reported any deaths from the current outbreak, the Ministry of Health is taking proactive measures to prevent the situation from worsening.

Vaccination campaigns have been crucial in controlling Mpox outbreaks in other countries. In 2022, several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, rolled out vaccines to protect high-risk individuals from Mpox. These vaccines are based on the smallpox vaccine, which has been shown to be effective in preventing Mpox infection.

While Kenya has not yet initiated a widespread vaccination campaign for Mpox, the Ministry of Health is closely monitoring global developments and may consider vaccination as part of its response plan if the situation escalates.

In the meantime, the public is encouraged to practice preventive measures such as maintaining good hygiene, avoiding contact with individuals who have Mpox symptoms, and avoiding contact with animals that could carry the virus, particularly rodents and primates.

The Role of Public Awareness

Public awareness is a critical component of any public health response, and Mpox is no exception. The Ministry of Health has been working to educate the public about Mpox, its symptoms, and how it spreads. By providing accurate information, health authorities hope to dispel misinformation and prevent panic.

Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of staying informed and following the guidance of health officials. “We are committed to providing timely and accurate information to the public. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families,” she said.

Collaboration with International Health Agencies

Kenya’s response to the Mpox outbreak has been supported by international health organizations, including the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These agencies have provided technical assistance, resources, and expertise to help Kenya manage the outbreak.

The WHO has also issued guidelines for countries dealing with Mpox outbreaks, which include recommendations for testing, contact tracing, isolation, and vaccination. Kenya has been following these guidelines closely to ensure its response is in line with global best practices.

Looking Ahead

As Kenya continues to grapple with the Mpox outbreak, the Ministry of Health remains committed to its surveillance and containment efforts. With the number of confirmed cases rising to 10, it is crucial that the public remains vigilant and follows the guidance of health authorities.

While no deaths have been reported so far, Mpox remains a serious public health concern, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation closely and take the necessary measures to prevent further transmission.

In the meantime, public awareness and preventive measures remain the best tools in the fight against Mpox. By staying informed and taking precautions, Kenyans can help protect themselves and their communities from this viral disease.

Conclusion

The confirmation of a new Mpox case in Kericho County, along with the rising national tally, underscores the importance of continued vigilance in the fight against the disease. With Kenya’s Ministry of Health leading the charge through robust surveillance, testing, and public health measures, the country is actively working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

As the situation evolves, it will be important for the public to stay informed and cooperate with health authorities to ensure that Mpox does not escalate into a larger public health crisis.