Disease surveillance team arrives in Taita Taveta for Mpox contact tracing
By Farhiya Hussein |
Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the Mpox outbreak in Kenya at the Taita Taveta border, involving a truck driver who had travelled from Uganda to Rwanda via Kenya.
A team of disease surveillance experts has arrived in Taita-Taveta County following the identification of a Mpox case at the Taveta border point last week.
The experts dispatched by the Ministry of Health were tasked with tracing all individuals who came into contact with an infected person.
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On Monday, upon the team's arrival, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, Gifton Mkaya, assured residents of their safety.
Mkaya addressed the residents after receiving the guests at his Wundanyi office.
The CECM stressed that the infected individual, a truck driver, did not interact with the local community as he was merely passing through.
"We are in collaboration with the National Health Ministry to enhance surveillance and conduct contact tracing. Detecting the case at the Taveta border demonstrates our preparedness and the effectiveness of our health teams. Their dedication is commendable," Mkaya stated.
Representing the Ministry of Health's Disease Surveillance Department, Dr. Pius Mutuku reiterated the government's commitment to preventing the virus's spread. "Our mission here is to support local surveillance efforts and ensure thorough contact tracing," he explained.
Contact tracing experts from the Ministry of Health visit office of Taita Taveta CECM Health Gifton Mkaya on Monday, August 5, 2024. (Photo Handout)
Mpox, an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, is a viral infection with symptoms such as high fever, skin rash, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and general body pain. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person and via respiratory droplets.
Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the Mpox outbreak in Kenya at the Taita Taveta border, involving a truck driver who had travelled from Uganda to Rwanda via Kenya.
As of July 28, 2024, the disease has resulted in 14,250 cases (2,745 confirmed and 11,505 suspected) and 456 deaths, a fatality rate of 3.2 per cent, across 10 countries.
Burundi (8 cases; 0 deaths), Cameroon (35 cases; 2 deaths), Central African Republic (213 cases; 0 deaths), Congo (146 cases; 1 death), Democratic Republic of Congo (13,791 cases; 450 deaths), Ghana (4 cases; 0 deaths), Liberia (5 cases; 0 deaths), Nigeria (24 cases; 0 deaths), Rwanda (2 cases; 0 deaths), and South Africa (22 cases; 3 deaths).
The East African Community (EAC) recently issued an urgent alert to its member states, encouraging them to educate the public on Mpox prevention and control. This follows concerning reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) about outbreaks in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Kenya, with its significant cross-border movement, faces increased vulnerability. In response, health authorities are enhancing monitoring and screening at border points, launching public health campaigns, and promoting preventive measures. The public is advised to maintain good hygiene, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, and seek medical advice if they suspect exposure to the virus.
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