Kenya Records its First Mpox Death

Kenya Records its First Mpox Death

Public Health Principal Secretary, Mary Muthoni, confirmed the country’s first death attributed to Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox).

This announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, October 14.

According to PS Muthoni, no new cases of Mpox were detected within the preceding 24 hours, and the number of confirmed cases has remained steady at thirteen.

The confirmed cases are distributed across various counties, with Nakuru, Kajiado, and Bungoma reporting two cases each. At the same time, Taita Taveta, Busia, Nairobi, Mombasa, Makueni, Kericho, and Kilifi each have one case.

Further updates revealed that out of 68 identified contacts of Mpox patients, 61 individuals have been monitored for the standard 21-day observation period.

Of these, three have tested positive for the virus, and four others are still under follow-up.

The government has been proactive in educating the public about the risks of Mpox, with 366,838 people having been sensitized about the disease at various Points of Entry (POEs).

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Plans are underway to deploy National Rapid Response Teams (NRRTs) to enhance the investigation and contact tracing efforts, ensuring a thorough containment strategy.

The total number of travelers screened at the country’s 26 reporting POEs has reached 1,332,420, reflecting the government’s extensive measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus.

Kenya confirmed its first Mpox case on August 12, 2024, during an outbreak that affected several countries across Africa.

Preventive measures continue to play a key role in reducing the transmission of Mpox.

Among the most effective strategies is vaccination. Additionally, avoiding close contact with individuals who exhibit symptoms like rashes or lesions, along with not sharing personal items with potentially infected individuals, are critical precautions.

Good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers, remain vital in minimizing the risk of infection.

Kenya Records its First Mpox Death