The Ministry of Health in Kenya has provided an update on the recent MPox case that caused concern across the country. No new cases of the disease have been reported so far.
However, the situation remains concerning because the individual initially diagnosed with MPox—a long-distance truck driver—has returned to Kenya and is currently untraceable.
The truck driver traveled a route starting in Uganda, passing through Mombasa in Kenya, and then to Rwanda via Taita Taveta and Tanzania.
It was during his time in Kenya that the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of MPox in the country, which led to widespread worry.
The Ministry’s Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, stated on Saturday that efforts are underway to track down all of the driver’s close contacts.
This includes people he may have interacted with at his workplace, the hospital where he was treated, and along his travel route.
The goal is to identify any possible new cases and prevent further spread of the disease.
To enhance surveillance, authorities have increased monitoring in all counties along the Busia to Mombasa highway and the Mombasa to Taveta Road.
This step is crucial for identifying all contacts and any other undetected cases.
The Ministry of Health is advising counties to educate the public about the outbreak.
They are encouraging preventive measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, seeking early medical treatment if symptoms appear, and avoiding contact with sick individuals.
These steps are essential to contain the spread of MPox and protect public health.