With reference to a 29-year-old female who lives close to Tumaini Academy in Mombasa, Kenya has confirmed its fifth case of Mpox.
Health CS Deborah Barasa said in a statement that the woman contracted the virus from her husband, who is presently being treated in Nakuru and is the nation’s fourth confirmed case.
The female was isolated at the Mpox Isolation Centre at Utange Hospital after being admitted to Coast General Hospital on August 28, 2024, following positive test results.
“The patient has no recent travel history to a country reporting Mpox cases, her spouse had recently travelled to Rwanda, returning on August 24, 2024,” the statement read in part.
As the government works to stop the viral disease from spreading, the CS stated that 33 contacts are still being closely monitored.
According to CS Barasa, of the five verified cases, two have entirely recovered and three are still receiving treatment and staying in isolation.
“We reassure the public that our healthcare facilities are fully prepared to diagnose and treat Mpox. There is no need to panic if you believe you may have symptoms,” she noted.
Direct contact with an infected person may transmit the virus that causes mpox, also known as monkeypox. Body rash, high fever, enlarged lymph nodes, headache, exhaustion, aches in the muscles and body, and back discomfort are some of the symptoms.
The CS advised citizens to report to the closest medical facility if they believe they may have the disease and to avoid unnecessary travel to countries where outbreaks of the disease are being reported.
Healthcare professionals who are treating Mpox patients are recommended to follow the Ministry’s preventive measures.
Kenyans are also urged to practice good personal hygiene and to stay away from close contact with living or dead animals.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of all citizens and shall continue to implement comprehensive response measures,” she added.
The statement comes as the government announced that Kenyans will begin receiving immunizations for the disease in December. Kenya will purchase two million doses from a Nordic manufacturing company based in Denmark, according to Health DG Patrick Amoth.
He affirmed that the administration of the doses would give priority to the vulnerable population.
