Mpox virus: How to protect yourself from infection
Two years after the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled the Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), Kenya has reported its first case.
The Ministry of Health advises avoiding close contact with individuals confirmed to have Mpox or showing symptoms of the disease to prevent infection.
Symptoms of Mpox include skin rash, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
Avoid close contact such as face-to-face, skin-to-skin, mouth-to-skin, and mouth-to-mouth interactions.
Refrain from touching or sharing personal items like bedding, eating utensils, phones, or other belongings with someone who is ill.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health recommends avoiding contact with wild animals, both living and dead, particularly those known to carry the virus.
This includes rodents and monkeys, especially those that appear sick or have been found deceased.
“Refrain from consuming wild animals like squirrels, rats, mice, and monkeys,” the Ministry advised.
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Mpox spreads through direct contact with skin lesions and body fluids, inhaling contaminated particles or viruses, sexual activity, and handling contaminated materials.
The disease is mainly found in tropical rainforest regions of Central and West Africa, with occasional cases reported in other areas.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health reported no new cases and urged all counties to raise public awareness about the outbreak, preventive measures, and actions to take if infected.
Preventive measures include frequent hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizer, seeking prompt medical treatment, and avoiding contact with sick individuals.
Emergency hotlines for reporting suspected cases and obtaining more information about the outbreak have been provided.
The contact numbers are 719, 0729471414, and 0732353535. The Ministry is collaborating with county governments, Port Health Authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to implement necessary interventions to safeguard the public.
“For additional information, reach out to the Ministry of Health Hotline at 719, or 0729 47 14 14 / 0732 353535.”
Mpox virus: How to protect yourself from infection
