The Ministry of Health has reported a third confirmed Mpox case in Nairobi.
A statement issued on Friday, August 30, 2024, indicates that the case involves a 30-year-old female who recently travelled to Uganda.
“She is in stable condition in an isolation unit,” read a statement issued by Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth.
This brings the total number of confirmed Mpox cases in Kenya to three. Previous cases were reported in Taita Taveta and Busia.
However, even with the confirmed third case, Dr Amoth said active surveillance continues to control the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, the government announced that the second patient diagnosed with Mpox in the country had fully recovered and discharged from hospital.
However, 17 contacts remain closely observed and “this positive outcome demonstrates our effective response and management of the disease.”
In addition, the Ministry of Health revealed that 89 samples have been submitted to laboratories for Mpox disease testing, out of which 79 had tested negative.
“Three samples have tested positive and the remaining 7 samples and currently undergoing analysis,” said Dr Amoth.
“In addition, we have screened a total of 582,847 travellers at our 26 designated Ports of Entry across the country,” he added.
The government also assured members of the public that health facilities are fully prepared to diagnose and manage this disease and that there is no need to panic.
How to prevent Mpox spread
The Ministry of Health further listed a number of recommendations members of the public should adhere to to prevent the spread of Mpox.
They include;
- Regular hand washing with soap and running water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Practice good hygiene
- Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting Mpox-like symptoms
- Avoid sharing personal items like towels, utensils and clothing
- Exercise caution around wild animals
- Avoid consumption of unspecified meat
- Limit non-essential to countries experiencing Mpox outbreaks
