Kenya’s Ministry of Health has issued a call for citizens to rigorously follow preventive measures against mpox as confirmed cases in the country rise to 31.

The appeal comes during the festive season, a period characterized by increased travel and gatherings.

Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Health, reported in a statement that two recent cases were identified in the coastal city of Mombasa and the western county of Nakuru. To date, mpox cases have been confirmed in 12 counties across the nation.

Muthoni revealed that over 2.6 million travelers have been screened at various points of entry, with suspected cases undergoing further investigation. Additionally, 351 samples have been tested at the National Public Health Laboratory and partner laboratories.

“We remain committed to controlling the mpox outbreak and safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans, especially during this festive season,” Muthoni stated.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, has deployed a multidisciplinary rapid response team to address the outbreak. These teams are tasked with conducting case searches, contact tracing, and managing confirmed cases to curb the disease’s spread.

Kenya is set to receive 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine in December as part of a World Health Organization (WHO)-led global initiative to combat the disease’s spread. Kenya is among five African nations selected to receive the vaccine, reflecting the growing concern about mpox across the continent.

Besides Kenya, other African countries reporting mpox cases include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Cameroon, Liberia, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Guinea, Gabon, and Rwanda.

The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and follow preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with suspected cases, maintaining hygiene, and seeking medical attention for any symptoms. These actions are crucial to minimizing the spread of mpox during this critical time. (ILKHA)