Kenya has reported its fifth case of Mpox, involving a 29-year-old woman living near Tumaini Academy in Mombasa.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that the woman contracted the virus from her spouse, who was the fourth confirmed case in the country and is currently hospitalized in Nakuru.
The woman was admitted to Coast General Hospital on August 28, 2024.
After testing positive for Mpox, she was transferred to the Utange Hospital’s Mpox Isolation Centre.
According to the Health CS, the woman has not traveled recently to countries with reported Mpox cases; however, her spouse had recently returned from Rwanda on August 24, 2024.
Currently, 33 contacts of the infected woman are being closely monitored as authorities work to contain the virus. Of the five confirmed Mpox cases in Kenya, two individuals have fully recovered, while three are still in isolation but showing positive responses to treatment.
CS Barasa assured the public that healthcare facilities are equipped to diagnose and treat Mpox and advised against panic if symptoms arise.
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral illness transmitted through direct contact with an infected person and presents symptoms such as rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and back pain.
The Health CS urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks and to seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Caregivers should follow preventive guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, Kenyans are advised to limit contact with both live and dead animals and to practice good personal hygiene.
In related news, the government announced plans to start vaccinating against Mpox by December.
Health Director General Patrick Amoth revealed that Kenya will receive 2 million vaccine doses from Nordic, a Denmark-based manufacturer.
Priority will be given to the most vulnerable populations in the vaccination campaign.