Kenya has confirmed its fifth Mpox case, as revealed by the Ministry of Health in a statement on Friday. The latest patient, a 28-year-old woman from the VOK area of Mombasa, tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. She is currently in isolation at the Mpox isolation center in Utange Hospital.

Notably, the woman is the spouse of the country’s fourth confirmed case, who is being treated in Nakuru.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa noted that while the patient has no travel history to any country reporting Mpox cases, her spouse had recently returned from Rwanda on August 24.

So far, 124 samples have been submitted for testing, with 110 results returning negative and nine still under analysis. According to the Ministry, over 687,000 travelers have been screened at 24 ports of entry as part of Kenya’s active surveillance efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

Currently, 33 individuals identified as close contacts of confirmed cases are under observation, while two out of the five confirmed patients have recovered from the virus.

The Ministry of Health reassures the public that healthcare facilities are fully prepared to diagnose and treat Mpox, emphasizing that there is no need for panic.

Mpox symptoms

Mpox can cause a range of signs and symptoms. While some people have less severe symptoms, others may develop more serious illness and need care in a health facility. Those typically at higher risk of more severe symptoms include people who are pregnant, children and persons that are immunocompromised, including people with untreated and advanced HIV disease.

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