Ministry of Health Issues Advisory After Outbreak of Mpox Virus

The Ministry of Health has announced a new outbreak of Mpox virus in the country.

In a statement dated Tuesday, June 10, the Ministry announced that there were 137 confirmed cases.

The Ministry highlighted that the latest cases had been recorded in new counties.

Those listed counties were Busia (48), Mombasa (37), Nakuru (16), Makueni (10), Nairobi (5), and Kajiado (3).

Others were Bungoma (3), Taita Taveta (2), Kericho (2), and Kilifi (2). Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Migori, Machakos, Isiolo, Kisii, and Kirinyaga had one case in each county.

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread through being in close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials.

"A total of 400 contacts have been identified, 315 have been monitored for the recommended period of 21 days. Of those, nine (15) contacts tested positive for Mpox. Additionally, over 4.8 million travelers have been screened at the Points of Entry, and suspected cases are identified for further investigation," read the statement in part.

"Suspected Mpox samples are tested at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and partner laboratories. 597 samples have undergone testing, of which 137 have tested positive."

Therefore, Kenyans were advised to be on the lookout for the symptoms to stop the spread of the virus.

The notable symptoms of mpox include a skin rash, fever, and headache.

"The Ministry of Health has disseminated 15 million SMSs via Safaricom to raise community awareness on Mpox," read the statement in part.

"Additionally, members of the public can access mpox prevention and control messages by calling 719 or by dialling *719# free of charge."

Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can spread through being in close contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated materials.