The Ministry of Health on Friday August 23, 2024 confirmed a second case of Mpox in Kenya at the Malaba border in Busia County.
The patient, an adult male truck driver, was identified at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County, showing symptoms after traveling from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“The Ministry wishes to inform the public of a second laboratory confirmed case of the disease in the country; an adult male truck driver who presented to the Port Health screening desk at the Malaba One Stop Border Post- Busla County with salient symptoms of the disease and a history of travel to the epicenter of the outbreak in DRC,” read part of a statement from the Health Ministry.
In addition, the Ministry further explained that since declaration of the first case of Mpox disease on 31 July 2024, 28 contacts of the said case have completed a 21-day follow-up period without developing symptoms and have been discharged from active follow-up.
Meanwhile, the patient has been isolated and is under active management in one of the health facilities in Busia County.
Further, active surveillance for suspected cases has been enhanced in the region and across all counties to avoid the spread of disease.
At the same time, the Ministry explained that, so far, a total of 42 samples have been submitted to government laboratories for Mpox disease testing out of which forty (40) samples have tested negative for the disease.
“In addition, we have screened a total of 426,438 travelers at our various Ports of Entry across the country.
“The Ministry emphasizes that our health facilities are adequately staffed and well- equipped to diagnose and manage this disease and therefore its identification should not be a cause for alarm,” the Ministry noted.
Additionally, the Ministry urged all Kenyans to regularly wash hands with soap and running water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Kenyans were encouraged to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting Mpox- like symptoms.
Citizens were also advised to avoid sharing personal items such as towels, utensils, or clothing materials.
In case a person has been in contact with someone with Mpox disease signs and symptoms should be encouraged to visit the nearest health facility for assessment by a qualified health professional.
