Kenya receives 10,700 doses of Mpox vaccine as Ministry of Health seeks to curb spread

Kenya has received its first batch of 10,700 doses of the mpox vaccine, marking a significant step in the country’s response to the ongoing outbreak.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that the vaccine, received through collaborative efforts between the government of Kenya, Africa CDC, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and GAVI, marks a significant step in the national response to the rising number of cases.

He pointed out the importance of this new intervention in managing the surge of cases.

"Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures, and this vaccine will help reduce the spread of mpox in our communities," Duale said.

He said the vaccine would be used alongside other critical outbreak control measures, including enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, testing, and community engagement.

Duale revealed that the MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic, is expected to offer 82 percent protection after two doses.

High-risk groups

Health officials have prioritised high-risk groups for vaccination. They include healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, long-distance truck drivers and sex workers.

Duale noted that the vaccine would be part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of mpox in Kenya, which includes enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, testing and community outreach.

"The vaccine is one of several critical measures that will be used in combination to control the outbreak," he said.

Kenya has seen a sharp rise in mpox cases, with confirmed infections doubling since December 31, 2024. To date, 67 cases have been reported across 13 counties, including Busia, Mombasa, and Nakuru.

The Ministry of Health has ramped up efforts to screen over 4 million travellers at 26 points of entry. As of now, 49 patients have recovered.

Health authorities have urged the public to follow preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with suspected cases, practicing good hygiene and staying informed through trusted health sources.

"Engage with qualified health care professionals for accurate information, and help stop the spread of misinformation through social media," the Ministry of Health advised.

What is mpox?

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• 700 doses of Mpox vaccine as Ministry of Health seeks to curb spread

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus. The disease spreads primarily through close contact, though it can also be transmitted through the environment.

It can be contracted through direct contact with infected animals or humans and typically results in flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

One of the hallmark symptoms of mpox is a rash, which can appear as blisters or sores on the face, palms, soles, groin, genital, or anal areas, and sometimes in the mouth, throat or eyes.

The rash typically lasts between two and four weeks, and while some individuals experience mild symptoms, others may require medical care. In severe cases, mpox can lead to complications or even death.

The virus has evolved over time, with clade I being the primary strain spread by animal contact in regions like the Congo. A mutation known as APOBEC3, identified in clade Ib infections starting in September 2023, has raised concerns among health officials. This mutation may speed up the virus's adaptation to humans, potentially making it easier for the virus to spread.