By Cindy Kawira
The Ministry of Health has announced that there is no active case of Mpox disease in the country following the uneventful recovery of the index case that was identified on 29th July 2024.
On 14th August 2024, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declared the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Concern (PHECC) with World Health Organization declaring the event as as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
“The Ministry of Health wishes to reassure Kenyans that there is no active case of Mpox disease in the country following the uneventful recovery of the index case that was identified on 29th July 2024,” stated Health CS Dr.Deborah.
Dr.Deborah said that the two declarations are similar and highlight the public health threat posed by Mpox outbreak and need for an immediate and coordinated international response to control the disease.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Dr.Deborah M. Barasa Kenya has registered one case of an individual who travelled from Kampal in Uganda to Mombasa, then to Rwanda Via Tanzania through Taita Taveta one stop border point.
“This individual has since made full recovery and is now well,” Dr.Deborah added.
In a press dispatch Health CS has maintained that there are no new confirmed cases of Mpox have been reported in the country since the aforementioned case.
“We have screened twelve (12) persons who came into contact with the index case and another six (6) different suspected cases all of whom have tested negative for the disease.No new confirmed cases of mpox have been reported since the first confirmed case,” stated Dr.Deborah.
Read more: http://Ministry Of Health Declares Mpox Outbreak In Kenya
The ministry is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease including enhanced surveillance across the country to detect any suspect cases.
MOH further emphasized the importance of the ongoing vigilance and adherence to health guidelines to prevent the spread of Mpox disease.
The public have been urged to observe hygiene through frequent handwashing with soap or water and by avoiding contact with individuals showing mpox symptoms.
The health CS has assured the ministry’s commitment to health and safety to all Kenyans.