Kenya is on high alert and stronger monitoring as Monkeypox continues to circulate, 18 months after the first case was reported.
Health officials say the outbreak is far from over, with virus fast spreading in local communities as cross-border movements continue to pose risk, especially in counties near borders and in big cities.
The Ministry of Health earlier this month confirmed new infections, including some which were detected through surveillance at points of entry and in counties that had not previously reported infections.
MOST AFFECTED
One of the cases was a truck driver, identified at the Malaba One Stop Border Post.
As of October, this year, a total of 9 deaths and 708 cases had been confirmed in Kenya with 41 percent of them, reported in Mombasa, mostly among young adults according to data from the World Health Organisation. Busia is along among the most-affected counties.
Sadly, all the deaths were reported among persons living with HIV.
Homa Bay, Kisumu, and Murang’a counties have already issued out local health alerts and deployed teams to track contacts and sensitize residents about the virus.
VACCINATION
According to a health official, detection of the new cases means the virus is still spreading across the country. “Monitoring is still very important, mostly at borders and along transportation routes”.
Health CS Aden Duale has assured of the government’s commitment to stop the outbreak, citing improved surveillance, case management and vaccination among the main ways to contain the virus.
He has repeatedly stressed the need for Kenyans to report symptoms early and work with health officials in tracing to avert spread of the disease.
Mpox spreads through close contact, like from skin sores, fluids, or infected items. Symptoms include fever, a rash, swollen glands, and feeling tired.
If you feel sick, see a doctor as soon as possible, stay away from people who have symptoms, and observe high hygiene to avoid the virus.
Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, who’s in charge of the technical response, says that controlling Mpox really depends on fast reporting, and strictly following health protocols such as isolation.
He listed stigma and waiting too long before seeking care among key challenges in controlling the disease.
Though Kenya received over 10,000 mpox vaccine doses earlier this year, health officials say vaccination targets Kenyans at greater risk such as close contacts of confirmed cases, health workers on the front lines, and people in high-exposure environments.
CONTACT TRACING
Vaccination is being complemented by enhanced contact tracing, isolation and clinical management of confirmed cases.
Also, screening at borders and transport hubs is also underway.
As Kenyans gear up for the Christmas holidays characterized with lots of travel and parties, the government warns that letting the guard down could water down the progress made.
