The Kenyan Ministry of Health on Wednesday July 31, 2024 raised an alarm over a confirmed case of monkeypox (recently renamed Mpox) at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point.

The infected individual was traveling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya, prompting swift action from health authorities to mitigate the risk of further spread.

Monkeypox, caused by the monkeypox virus, manifests through a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes.

The disease can be transmitted via direct contact with infectious lesions or respiratory droplets.

While a single confirmed case is sufficient to declare an outbreak, the Ministry’s concern stems from the ongoing multi-country outbreak that has affected various regions since May 2022, with peaks in August 2022 and June-November 2023.

The heightened risk of transmission in Kenya is exacerbated by the significant movement of people between the country and its neighbors, particularly through the Northern and Central transport corridors.

Several East African nations are currently reporting monkeypox cases, underscoring the need for a coordinated regional response.

The Ministry has vowed to work closely with county governments, port health authorities, and other relevant agencies to enhance surveillance and prevent further spread.

Accurate diagnosis of monkeypox is crucial, as it involves laboratory tests on skin lesions, which can be conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory and other specialized facilities.

While the illness typically resolves within 2-4 weeks without complications, symptomatic treatment may be necessary in some cases.

The Ministry also cautions that other common diseases, such as chickenpox and measles, may exhibit similar symptoms, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional medical advice.

In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has issued a public advisory urging Kenyans to prioritize personal hygiene, seek medical attention if symptoms arise, and avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed cases.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Public Health, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to containing the outbreak and safeguarding the health of Kenyan citizens.