By Debra Rono
The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni has conducted an evaluation today at Moi International Airport to assess its preparedness in light of the World Health Organization’s declaration of MPox as a public health emergency.
“Today, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Ms. Mary Muthoni, conducted an assessment at Moi International Airport to assess preparedness measures following the World Health Organization’s declaration of MPox as a public health emergency, stated MOH.
The Ministry of Health indicated that this assessment underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening border control measures aimed at preventing the entry of the MPox virus into the nation.
“This visit highlights the government’s dedication to enhancing border controls and implementing strong measures to prevent the virus from entering and spreading within the country,” added MOH.
Key elements that the Ministry of Health intends to implement include screening processes, quarantine facilities, and ensuring that health personnel are adequately prepared to handle suspected cases.
On July 31, 2024, Kenya confirmed its first case of MPox.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has classified MPox as a public health emergency, with data revealing a surge in cases to 15,132 between January and August 2024, resulting in 1,456 recorded deaths.
Read more: http://Africa CDC Declares Mpox A Public Health Emergency Of Continental Security
This situation follows the World Health Organization’s declaration of the MPox outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.
According to a statement from the Ministry, Kenya has reported only one MPox case, involving an individual who travelled from Kampala, Uganda, to Mombasa, and subsequently to Rwanda via Tanzania at the Taita Taveta one-stop border point. The individual has since fully recovered.
The Ministry also reported that twelve individuals who had contact with the first case, along with six other suspected cases, have all tested negative for MPox.
It emphasized that no new confirmed cases of MPox have been reported in the country since the initial case.