NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the country’s fifth case of Mpox, involving a 29-year-old woman from Mombasa’s VOK area.
The patient, currently in isolation at Utange Hospital, is the spouse of the fourth confirmed case, adding a new layer of concern over the spread of the virus.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, in a statement released Wednesday, disclosed that the new Mpox case was detected during ongoing surveillance.
Interestingly, the patient has no recent travel history to a country reporting Mpox cases. However, her spouse had recently returned from Rwanda on August 24, 2024, and is now receiving treatment in Nakuru.
“The patient has no recent travel history to a country reporting Mpox cases, but her spouse had traveled to Rwanda,” Barasa noted, adding that active surveillance for suspected cases continues to prevent further spread.
So far, out of 124 samples tested for Mpox, 110 have returned negative results, while 9 are still under analysis.
The Ministry of Health has ramped up its efforts to monitor and contain the virus. To date, over 687,000 travelers have been screened across 26 ports of entry in Kenya.
Additionally, 33 contacts of the confirmed cases remain under close observation, with containment measures proving effective.
Out of the five reported cases, two have fully recovered, while the remaining three are in isolation but responding positively to treatment.
Kenya’s health officials are urging the public to stay vigilant by avoiding unnecessary travel to Mpox-affected regions and practicing good hygiene.
They’re also asking people to report any suspected cases to healthcare facilities or community health workers.
Mpox spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or even animals.
It’s crucial to recognize the signs, which include high fever, body rashes, headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. Enlarged lymph nodes and back pain are also common symptoms.
The Ministry of Health has issued clear guidance to the public: maintain cleanliness, avoid travel to areas with active Mpox cases, and seek medical advice if you or someone you know shows symptoms.
As Kenya continues its efforts to monitor and manage the situation, the focus remains on preventing further spread while providing necessary care for those affected.
The Ministry’s proactive approach and the public’s cooperation will be key in curbing this outbreak.
