Health ministry confirms fourth mpox case in Kenya

The Ministry of Health has confirmed the fourth mpox case in the country. In a statement on her X handle, Principal Secretary Mary Muythoni confirmed the new case:

“We have a 4th MPOX case in the country…"

The most recently confirmed case of mpox is a truck driver who was travelling from Mombasa to Rwanda. He felt unwell on 28th August 2024 while passing through Gilgil (Kikopey area) and was unable to continue his journey. The Gilgil Sub-County Rapid Response Team (RRT) was immediately dispatched to assess the case.

The PS notes that the patient was evacuated to the Nakuru PGH Isolation Centre, where he was admitted in stable condition.

On Friday, the Ministry of Health reported a third case of Mpox in Nairobi. The patient, a 30-year-old woman who recently travelled to Uganda, is currently in stable condition and receiving care in an isolation unit in Nairobi.

Health Director-General Patrick Amoth stated, “17 contacts remain under close observation, and this positive outcome demonstrates our effective response and management of the disease.”

Dr Amoth also mentioned that the second Mpox patient in Kenya has fully recovered and has been discharged from the hospital.

The Ministry of Health has screened 582,847 travellers at 26 designated Ports of Entry across the country, with enhanced surveillance at border points. “Our healthcare facilities are well-equipped to diagnose and manage this disease. There is no need for panic,” Amoth reassured.

According to the Ministry, the first two cases of Mpox have fully recovered. While Kenya does not have a high prevalence of Mpox, the risk to the country is heightened due to increased trade and travel activities.