By Ivy Macharia
In a recent development, the Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Mpox at the Taita-Taveta border point linked to a traveler from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
The announcement was made earlier today following a series of reported cases in the region. Health officials are on high alert and are implementing measures to contain the spread of the virus.
“The Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Mpox in Kenya at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP), from an individual traveling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya,” stated the MOH.
According to the Ministry, Mpox formerly monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, manifests in the form of a skin rash, fever, headache, general aches and swollen lymph nodes.
The ministry in the statement dispatch further indicates that, “person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infected skin or other lesions in areas such as the mouth and genitals as well as via respiratory droplets.”
Mpox has seen a global outbreak since May 2022, peaking in August 2022 and June-November 2023. Movement via major transport routes between Kenya and other East African nations poses a regional transmission risk.
“Mpox is endemic in the forested areas of East, Central, and West Africa. Since May 2022, a multi-country outbreak has been ongoing globally with peak cases in August 2022 and June-November 2023,” read the statement.
The Ministry has emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, vaccination, and seeking medical attention if symptoms of Mpox are observed.
However the Ministry has reassured the public of its commitment to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease by working closely with County Governments, Port Health Authorities and othe government to enhance surveillance,report suspected cases and disseminate information on preventive measures to the public.