Health measures tightened at coastal entry points to curb mpox spread

The Ministry of Health, through its State Department for Public Health, has escalated surveillance and screening efforts at the Port of Mombasa and Moi International Airport as part of a strategic initiative to mitigate the risk of mpox entering and spreading within Kenya.

During a visit to these critical entry points on Sunday, the Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, highlighted the significance of these actions.

PS Muthoni noted that an expanded team of health professionals supports the stepped-up surveillance and screening processes, ensuring the swift detection and treatment of any suspected mpox cases.

"We have significantly increased our screening, especially at border crossings," she remarked, emphasising the critical importance of these efforts in maintaining public health security.

“As part of our commitment to enhancing mpox mitigation, we recently conducted an assessment at Kilindini Harbour in Mombasa Port to evaluate our preparedness and readiness. Strengthening surveillance, increasing screening efforts, and promoting handwashing activities are crucial measures to establish robust health protocols and prevent the disease's entry and spread. Securing our entry points remains essential to safeguarding the nation from potential health risks and ensuring public safety,” she stated.

She also visited the Lunga Lunga One-Stop Border Post, a major crossing point between Kenya and Tanzania.

"The Lunga Lunga One-Stop Border Post plays a crucial role as a busy gateway between Kenya and Tanzania, managing a significant flow of passengers and cargo vehicles. Effective management at this key facility is essential to preventing the spread of mpox and ensuring regional safety. Our efforts are concentrated on strengthening protocols to safeguard public health and secure these vital transit areas,” she said.

Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, at the Lunga Lunga One Stop Border Post on Sunday, August 18, 2024. (Photo: PS Mary Muthoni)

At Moi International Airport, PS Muthoni met with Port Health staff to emphasise the importance of identifying early warning signs of mpox. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders on protocols and confirmed that resources are in place to isolate and treat any detected cases, noting that mpox is treatable.

Dr. Salma Swaleh, the Mombasa County Director for Public Health, elaborated on the symptoms of mpox, highlighting their potential confusion with other illnesses. "Symptoms of mpox include rashes, fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms may resemble those of malaria or measles, but the rashes specific to mpox are unique," Dr Salma explained.

She also pointed out the stringent testing protocols in place, adding, "We collect samples from the rashes for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of the virus."

Beyond the immediate concern of mpox, PS Muthoni outlined the government's broader efforts to enhance community health services in Mombasa County. The government has distributed 2,282 Community Health Promoter (CHP) kits, along with medicines and other supplies, to improve healthcare delivery.

In addition, 2,282 CHPs have been provided with smartphones to support the use of the electronic community health information system (e-CHIS), which streamlines service delivery at the household level. The State Department has planned a three-day sensitisation programme for all Community Health Assistants (CHAs) to further support the community health workforce.

In September 2024, 300 CHPs will undergo a ten-day training session on essential health modules. PS Muthoni reiterated the government's dedication to bolstering public health infrastructure, ensuring comprehensive community health services, and maintaining vigilance against health risks such as mpox.

Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, at the Kilindini Harbour on Sunday, August 18, 2024. (Photo: PS Mary Muthoni)

Kenya officially declared the mpox outbreak on July 31, 2024, following confirmation of the first case in Taveta Sub-County, Taita Taveta County. Since then, Taveta Sub-County Hospital has discharged the patient, and they monitored 12 contacts of the confirmed case for 21 days without showing any virus symptoms.

The Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that it had identified five new suspected mpox cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 29. Of these, 23 cases were confirmed as negative, and six are still awaiting laboratory results.

PS Muthoni confirmed on Sunday that there were no new suspected cases among residents or travellers, and active surveillance is still ongoing nationwide, especially at key entry points.

Over the past day, 21,350 travellers were screened at various entry points, with no suspected mpox cases detected.

This increases the total number of screened travellers to 302,436. The Ministry has called on the public to adhere to ongoing public health initiatives, which include contact tracing, screening, and heightened surveillance, especially in border areas.

Principal Secretary for Public Health, Mary Muthoni, addresses port officials at the Kilindini Harbour on Sunday, August 18, 2024. (Photo: PS Mary Muthoni)