Kenya screens for Mpox as world declares public health emergency

The Ministry of Health has screened several people following suspected cases of monkeypox in the country.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Friday reassured the public that there was no active Mpox disease in the country.

“We have screened 12 persons who came into contact with the index case and another six different suspected cases all of whom have tested negative for the disease,” said CS Barasa.

The country first reported one case of Mpox on July 29 after a person tested positive at the Taita Taveta border stop.

CS Barasa has said that no new case has been confirmed since the index case “has since made full recovery and is now well”.

Following the disease outbreak, the World Health Organization and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention have declared a public health emergency of international concern.

The two declarations by the continental and global health bodies have highlighted the public health threat posed by the outbreak and the need for an international response.

Consequently, the Ministry of Health has laid down surveillance measures to ensure that the disease does not spread further.

“The Ministry of Health has heightened surveillance activities across the country to detect all suspected cases. 

The Ministry continues to issue advisories to healthcare workers to sensitize them on Mpox, guide the identification of cases as well as infection prevention and control measures,” Barasa added.

Efforts to sensitize the public and engage the communities on risk perception and prevention measures are also being made.

The Ministry has advised the public to frequently wash hands with soap and water and avoid contact with individuals showing Mpox symptoms to prevent the spread.

Mpox symptoms include; skin rash, sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, and swollen lymph glands.

Members of the public are advised to report to the nearest health facility if they exhibit such symptoms or have a history of traveling to an area reporting Mpox cases.

To curb the spread, people can also cover lesions and wear well-fitted masks when around other people and avoid physical contact.