Ministry of Health raises alarm over new wave of MPOX infections

Public Health and Professional Standards PS, Mary Muthoni, has warned that Kenya is at greater risk than ever of its citizens contracting the disease. Twelve counties have been flagged as high-risk areas.

Speaking in Kisumu on Tuesday during a tour to assess regional preparedness and community health promoters’ activities, PS Muthoni emphasized the need for heightened vigilance at the country’s borders and in key towns. She noted that tracking truck drivers, who are more susceptible due to their travel patterns, is critical in curbing the spread of the disease.

"The active case finding and contact tracing is on high gear. We have already activated our teams again because we thought we were going down but we are seeing another spike. This means whichever case is confirmed we must get hold of everybody and anybody they have come into contact with and have them screened and tested in our facilities," said PS Muthoni.

The latest Ministry of Health statistics reveal a total of 31 MPOX infections in the country. Of these, 28 have recovered, one has died, and two remain hospitalized.

Despite the high recovery rate, health experts warn of the virus's potential to mutate and present in varying forms among different individuals.

As of tonight, the counties on high alert include Nakuru, Mombasa, Nairobi, Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Busia, Makueni, Kericho, Kilifi, Kiambu, and Uasin Gishu.

The Ministry has also expressed concern over certain sexual behaviours, noting that MPOX is a sexually transmitted virus. Kenyans are urged to exercise caution to avoid contracting the disease, which has significantly impacted several West African countries.

PS Muthoni confirmed that a robust campaign on contact tracing is underway, with authorized laboratories leading the effort.

Additionally, she reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all healthcare workers, from community health promoters to doctors, are paid by midnight today.

PS Muthoni further called for the continuous registration for the Social Health Authority, emphasizing its importance in providing quality and affordable health services for all Kenyans.