Govt heightens screening, isolation protocols at JKIA over Mpox

The government has heightened screening and isolation protocols at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) over Mpox in the country.

In a statement on Monday, September 2, 2024, hours after visiting the airport, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the government has enhanced strategies for preventing the further spread of the disease.

“We had a thorough assessment of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s readiness for Mpox. We reviewed their screening and isolation protocol and chatted with the management team and port health officials about how to enhance our strategies. Strengthening awareness, training for staff, and improving coordination with public health authorities are all on the agenda. Let’s keep our defences strong,” she stated.

Fourth Mpox case

This comes a day after the Ministry of Health confirmed one new case of the disease, bringing the total number of cases in the country to four.

Muthoni, in a statement to the public on August 31, 2024, confirmed that the latest case was reported in Nakuru County.

“One new confirmed Mpox case has been reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to four,” Muthoni said.

The confirmed cases are now distributed across four counties: Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, and Nakuru, with one case reported in each location.

The National Public Health Laboratory has processed a total of 90 samples, of which four have tested positive for Mpox, while two are pending confirmation.

Despite the rise in cases, no deaths have been reported in the country so far.

Mpox symptoms

In a statement on Wednesday, August 8, 2024, the Ministry listed seven symptoms that could indicate a Mpox patient.

Among the symptoms are skin rash, fever, fore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

Ministry of Health says symptoms appear 2-21 days after infection.