The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent alert in response to an Mpox outbreak in the country.
The announcement on Wednesday, August 8, 2024, follows the detection of Mpox in a patient who has since recovered.
The Ministry outlined seven key symptoms associated with Mpox, which include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms may appear between 2 to 21 days after infection.
In their statement, the Ministry emphasized the importance of recognizing these symptoms, especially for individuals who have traveled to regions with reported Mpox cases or who have had contact with infected individuals.
“Seek urgent medical attention if you experience these symptoms and have a history of recent exposure,” the statement advised.
The alert follows the confirmation of the first Mpox case in the country, identified on July 22, 2024, at the Taveta One Stop Border Point.
The patient, a truck driver, was initially isolated at Taveta Sub-County Hospital.
Clinicians suspected the patient might have chickenpox or Mpox, and subsequent tests confirmed Mpox on July 29, 2024.
The diagnosis was validated by reference laboratories within the national network.
Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed that the patient has recovered and stated that the Ministry is now focused on identifying and monitoring all individuals who may have been in contact with the patient.
The Ministry, in collaboration with County Governments, Port Health Authorities, and other stakeholders, is implementing comprehensive measures to prevent further spread and protect public health.
