The government has confirmed two new cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) disease, bringing the national tally to 12 cases.
In a statement on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Ministry of Health said that out of the 12 confirmed cases, no deaths have been witnessed, with other patients receiving treatment and getting discharged.
“In the last 24 hours, two (2) new cases of Mpox have been confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases across the country to twelve (12). The cases are distributed as follows: Nakuru (2), Kajiado (2), Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Nairobi (1), Mombasa (1), Makueni (1), Bungoma (1), Kericho (1) and Kilifi (1). Of the confirmed cases, five (5) are currently on management, and seven (7) have fully recovered,” the statement reads in part.
The ministry also disclosed that the various points of entry in the country were under surveillance and that screening for Mpox had been stepped up. They stated that out of the 68 travellers screened, eight had been taken through further monitoring while 60 had completed a 21-day follow-up.
“So far, 68 contacts have been identified, 60 of whom have successfully completed the required 21-day follow-up. Two (2) contacts have tested positive for Mpox, and six (6) others remain under active follow-up. More In the past 24 hours, a total of 15,269 travellers have been screened at various Points of Entry (POEs), bringing the cumulative number to 1,161,622 travellers screened across 26 POEs. The National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has received 230 samples for testing, of which 12 have tested positive. 217 have returned negative results, and one (1) is pending results,” the Ministry added.
Managing Mpox
The government urged citizens to improve their hygiene by frequent handwashing or using hand sanitisers. Additionally, the ministry advised against having multiple sexual partners to reduce the chances of exposure to the Mpox virus.
The Ministry of Health equally urged counties to remain alert. strengthen surveillance, and continue working closely with the national government to ensure early detection and prompt action.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa noted that no cases of the Marburg virus had been detected in the country and urged health officials at the various points of entry to stay vigilant.
“Currently we have no Marburg cases reported in the country. We have heightened surveillance activities and urge the public to remain vigilant, Symptoms of Marburg Virus Disease include high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, difficulty swallowing and bleeding from body openings,” Barasa said.
