Polio outbreak confirmed in Kakuma, Turkana West as Kamukunji sewage sample tests positive

The Ministry of Health has confirmed a polio outbreak in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana West, and nearby areas, following the detection of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2).

During a stakeholders' meeting on Monday, Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced that four children from the camp and surrounding communities tested positive for the virus.

Muthoni also revealed that a polio type 2-positive sewage sample was found in Kamukunji Sub-County, Nairobi, indicating that the virus has spread beyond the initial location.

According to the PS children under the age of five, especially those in overcrowded reception centres with poor sanitation, are most affected.

The findings come after an investigation conducted, identified suboptimal routine immunisation coverage in both the host communities and among new arrivals in Kakuma Refugee Camp.

“The investigation team identified suboptimal routine immunisation coverage in both the host communities and among new arrivals in Kakuma Refugee Camp, with the majority affected being children aged 0-5 years. Additionally, congestion within the reception centres has exacerbated poor sanitation conditions both within the centres and in the surrounding areas,” Muthoni said.

The PS said the investigations revealed the existence of a robust surveillance system for acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) capable of early detection. She added that the system leverages community health promoters and cross-border surveillance to enhance polio detection and response efforts.

“Although the WHO-AFRO region was certified polio-free in 2020, Kenya has recorded five cases of polio this year,” Muthoni said, emphasising that the outbreak in Kakuma and Kamukunji is part of a larger global health challenge.

She noted that a total of 16 countries have reported cases of cVDPV2 this year, with 14 from the WHO African Region, totalling 115 cases.

Additionally, she said there have been six type 1 cases globally, though no type 3 polio cases have been reported.

In response, the ministry has issued an alert to all high-risk counties to remain vigilant. Western Kenya counties, especially those bordering Uganda’s Mbale District, have been termed of particular concern, as the virus has been detected in both Kakuma and Kamukunji.

Operation centres activated

Muthoni said Public Health Emergency Operations Centers have been activated at national and county levels to coordinate preparedness and response activities.

"Our technical committees are in place to ensure comprehensive coordination," she noted.

Meanwhile, a polio vaccination campaign has been scheduled from Wednesday, October 2, to Sunday, October 6, targeting 3, 843, 275 children.

The campaign will cover nine high-risk counties, including Busia, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Turkana. It will also focus on children under five years old in Nairobi County and select sub-counties in Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties.

The ministry’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategy includes the sensitisation of social media influencers, printing and distributing informational materials, and engaging both mass media and local communities.

“We urge all parents and caregivers in the affected areas to ensure their children receive the lifesaving two drops of polio vaccine,” Muthoni said.

“Polio and other vaccines are safe and effective, with no harm in receiving multiple doses.”

The PS emphasised that the Immunization Programme has played a key role in addressing deadly childhood diseases.

Recognising vaccination as a cost-effective public health intervention, the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards said it remains committed to ensuring that immunisation services are of high quality and accessible to all Kenyans.

Muthoni further acknowledged the importance of community involvement in the planning and monitoring of immunisation services to ensure their success.

With the participation of over 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), the Ministry of Health aims to improve health outcomes and advance the journey towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

"The launch of the polio vaccination exercise aligns perfectly with the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) by His Excellency the President," Muthoni said, urging Kenyans to register for SHA to ensure no one is left behind in the new healthcare landscape.

Further, the CS said the Ministry has confirmed eight cases of Mpox virus. To mitigate the risk of transmission, the public has been urged to practice regular handwashing with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

“Avoiding physical contact, such as handshakes or kissing, with symptomatic individuals and refraining from handling or consuming meat from wild animals, including rodents and primates, is also essential,” the PS said.