Health ministry warns of rising Mpox infections in Kenya
According to the latest Ministry of Health data, Kenya has recorded 31 Mpox cases. Of these, 28 patients have recovered, two remain hospitalised, and one person has died.
The Ministry of Health has raised an alarm over a new surge in Mpox infections spreading rapidly across Kenya.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, stated that the country faces an unprecedented risk, with 12 counties flagged as high-risk areas.
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Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday during a visit to assess community health initiatives, Muthoni highlighted the urgency of strengthening border surveillance and tracking systems.
She emphasised the vulnerability of truck drivers, whose travel patterns make them more susceptible to the disease.
“We need an enhanced vigilance system at our borders and key towns to monitor those at higher risk,” she said.
According to the latest Ministry of Health data, Kenya has recorded 31 Mpox cases. Of these, 28 patients have recovered, two remain hospitalised, and one person has died. Despite the high recovery rate, PS Muthoni warned of the potential for the virus to mutate, leading to varied presentations in different individuals.
Counties currently on high alert include Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa, Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Busia, Makueni, Kericho, Kilifi, Kiambu, and Uasin Gishu.
Muthoni also expressed concern about certain sexual practices among Kenyans, noting that Mpox is sexually transmissible.
“If one is not careful, they risk contracting a disease that has already caused significant outbreaks in West African countries,” she said.
The PS however emphasised that the government has intensified contact tracing through authorised laboratories to curb the spread.
Additionally, Muthoni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to paying all medical service providers, including community health promoters, by midnight.
The PS further encouraged Kenyans to continue registering with the Social Health Authority, noting that the initiative will be crucial in providing affordable and quality healthcare services for all citizens.
