Mombasa County has intensified its response to a significant outbreak of Mpox, activating an emergency operations centre and partnering with international aid organisations to contain the spread of the virus. The move comes as confirmed cases in the coastal region rise to 182, with infections detected across all six of the county’s sub-counties.
According to the Department of Health Services, the sub-counties of Nyali and Likoni have been the hardest hit. The outbreak predominantly affects adults aged 25-44, though cases span all ages, including a four-month-old infant. Fatma Ali, Manager of Public Health Emergency Operations, confirmed the outbreak has moved into a phase of community transmission, necessitating the heightened response.
“There is community transmission going on, which is why there is a need for us to heighten the response activities at our county level,” stated Ali. Samples, which were previously sent to the National Public Health Laboratory, are now tested locally to accelerate the public health response.
The county has designated the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital-Utange Field Hospital in Kisauni as the central facility for managing cases. The hospital has established a strict isolation unit where patients are cared for until full recovery. Eva Odhiambo, a clinician with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which is supporting the operation, detailed the rigorous triage protocol. Community Health Promoters stationed at the gate assess suspected cases before they are ushered to a dedicated ‘red zone’ for evaluation and admission.
“All admissions processes take place in the red zone; nothing comes out,” Odhiambo explained. Medical staff are managing symptoms, as there are no specific antivirals for Mpox, treating lesions, itchiness, and pain. Patients are discharged only once their lesions have crusted over and new skin has formed, indicating they are no longer contagious.
A significant challenge highlighted by clinicians is the intense stigma associated with the visible symptoms of the disease. “Mpox is written on you and comes with a lot of stigma. That is one of the challenges that the patients are facing,” Odhiambo stated.
The response includes a robust risk communication and community engagement strategy, spearheaded by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The organisation has trained Community Health Promoters and conducted door-to-door sensitisation, reaching over 12,000 community members in the past 20 days. KRCS County Coordinator Aisha Al-Hussain confirmed the donation of critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to bolster the county’s efforts.
“We are working with the CHPs in doing door-to-door sensitization,” Al-Hussain said, underscoring the collaborative effort to ensure residents are aware of prevention measures. The county affirms it is prepared to manage the outbreak as it continues to strengthen its public health defences.
