Ministry of Health confirms first Mpox case at Taita Taveta border

The Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, at the Taita Taveta one-stop border point in Kenya.

Mpox, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick after infection.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni, in a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, noted that while only a single case of the disease was recorded, that alone is enough to declare an outbreak.

She highlighted that the infected individual was en route from Uganda to Rwanda, via Kenya, when he was flagged at the border point.

"Person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions such as in the mouth or on the genitals. The disease can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets," noted PS Muthoni.

"Mpox is endemic in the forested areas of East, Central and West Africa. Since May 2022, a multi-country outbreak has been ongoing globally with peak cases in August 2022 and June-November 2023. A single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak."

Further, Muthoni highlighted that the significant population movement between Kenya and other East African countries, particularly through the Northern and Central transport corridors, poses a major risk for regional transmission, given that several countries in the region are currently reporting cases.

"Diagnosis of Mpox is done through confirmatory laboratory tests from the skin lesions. These tests can be done in the National Public Health Laboratory and other specialized laboratories in the country," said Muthoni.

"Other common diseases may present with similar features, including chicken pox, measles, bacterial skin Infections, scabies, allergic reactions, among others."

To prevent the risk of infection, PS Muthoni urged Kenyans to follow public health guidelines, such as regularly washing their hands and avoiding close contact with infected persons.

"Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer; If you have symptoms, seek health advice and avoid close contact with other persons and visit the nearest health facility for management," she said.

"Avoid close contact with persons with suspected or confirmed disease.

The PS added that the government has put measures in place to mitigate the spread of the infectious disease.

"The Ministry of Health is working with the County Governments, Port Health Authorities and other relevant Government Agencies to enhance surveillance," she said.  

"Report suspected cases and disseminate information on preventive measures to the general public."