The Ministry of Health on Wednesday warned of an outbreak of the deadly Mpox following the confirmation of the first case of the disease.
According to the ministry, the government confirmed the outbreak at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP), from an individual traveling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. Patients present with a skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, generalized aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Further, the Ministry of Health added that a single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak.
"Mpox is endemic in the forested areas of East, Central, and West Africa. Since May 2022, a multi-country outbreak has been ongoing globally with peak cases in August 2022 and June-November 2023. A single case of Mpox is considered an outbreak," read the statement in part.
Person-to-person transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with infectious skin or other lesions, such as in the mouth or on the genitals. The disease can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Following the case detection, the government issued an advisory to Kenyans to adhere to the following public health measures to protect themselves, their families, and the community from further spread of the disease.
Additionally, Kenyans are advised to wash their hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
If anyone exhibits symptoms, they are advised to seek health advice, avoid close contact with other persons, and visit the nearest health facility for management.
According to the Ministry of Health's advisory, Mpox usually resolves without complications within 2-4 weeks.
However, the ministry noted that some other common diseases may present with similar features, including chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, allergic reactions, among others.
The Ministry of Health assured the public that the government is working to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease by collaborating with the County Governments, Port Health Authorities, and other relevant government agencies to enhance surveillance.
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Category: News
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