No cause for alarm; Mpox not comparable to Covid, says Deputy Health DG

The Ministry of Health has assured the public that the Mpox situation in the country is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, September 3, Public Health Deputy Director-General Dr. Sultani Matendechero noted that Mpox spreads in a manner significantly different from COVID-19, reducing the likelihood of it becoming a widespread pandemic.

"Everyone is eager to compare Mpox with COVID-19 and wondering why we aren’t declaring it a serious threat. The reality is that Mpox does not spread as fast as COVID-19," Dr. Matendechero said.

COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols, leading to its rapid transmission. 

In contrast, Mpox spreads  through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, making it less likely to cause a major outbreak under current circumstances.

So far, four cases of Mpox have been confirmed  in Kenya. 

While the Ministry expects that the number may rise due to interactions between infected individuals and others in the community, Dr. Matendechero emphasised that there is no cause for alarm.

He added that in response to the reported cases, the government has initiated contact tracing to identify and isolate those who may have been exposed to the virus. This proactive approach, he noted, aims to curb further transmission and ensure public safety.

The Health Deputy DG also urged the public to remain calm and informed.

Anyone who suspects they have symptoms of Mpox is advised to isolate immediately and report to the nearest health facility to prevent further spread.