Kenya Calls for Rigorous Compliance with Mpox Prevention Strategies as Cases Surge
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Nairobi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Ministry of Health in Kenya has called upon citizens to strictly follow mpox preventive measures as the number of cases escalates, with children being particularly at risk.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mary Muthoni, stated in a communiqué released on Saturday evening in Nairobi, Kenya's capital, that five new mpox cases have been confirmed in northwest, coastal, and central Kenya over the last week, increasing the total to 23, according to Xinhua.
Muthoni cautioned that children are at a higher risk because their immune systems are not yet fully developed to combat infections. "The ministry emphasizes the significance of self-isolation among suspected or confirmed cases to prevent the transmission of the infection to children in our households, as they are at a greater risk of severe illness if infected."
Muthoni highlighted the necessity for increased vigilance, especially among those suspected and confirmed to have mpox, to safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly children under five. Additionally, she mentioned that health workers have intensified their surveillance efforts to track the outbreak in the area.
"We urge all Kenyans to stay alert, seek immediate medical care, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility for prompt attention," Muthoni noted.
The recent cases were confirmed in Nakuru, located about 160 km northwest of the capital, as well as in the coastal city of Mombasa and Kiambu, which is on the outskirts of Nairobi, she stated.
"As of now, 156 contacts have been identified, with 117 having completed the necessary 21-day follow-up. Five of these contacts have tested positive for mpox, while 34 are still under follow-up," Muthoni explained.
Muthoni urged for greater awareness and adherence to public health protocols to contain the spread of mpox and protect vulnerable populations, including children. Since the outbreak commenced, the Ministry has screened 2.02 million travelers at 26 entry points, with 15,257 individuals screened in the last 24 hours.
Vaccines are anticipated to arrive in Kenya in December, as the country is one of five African nations expected to receive 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine, as part of global initiatives led by the World Health Organization to curb the spread of the disease, which has been increasing across Africa.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, was first identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease that is typically transmitted through bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and other contaminated materials. The infection generally leads to symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
