Kenya enhances surveillance measures following confirmation of its first mpox case

On Saturday, Kenya’s Ministry of Health announced that it has significantly increased its surveillance efforts nationwide following the confirmation of the country’s first mpox case earlier this week.

The Ministry reported that no new mpox cases have been detected so far but is carefully monitoring the confirmed case involving a long-distance truck driver. This driver traveled from Kampala, Uganda, to Mombasa on Kenya’s coast, then to Rwanda via Taita Taveta in southeastern Kenya and Tanzania.

Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, stated in a Nairobi press release that the truck driver has returned to Kenya, leading to a comprehensive contact tracing operation.

The ministry is actively tracing all individuals who had close contact with the truck driver during his travels within the country to identify any potential new cases and prevent further spread.

Additionally, Muthoni indicated that the Ministry is keeping an eye on outbreak developments in neighboring countries to evaluate regional transmission risks and adjust response strategies as needed.

The Ministry has also set up emergency hotline numbers for the public to report suspected cases and obtain more information about the outbreak. A rapid response team has been dispatched to assist affected counties with in-depth investigations and necessary interventions.

She mentioned that public health emergency operation centers have been activated nationwide to manage and coordinate the response to the mpox case.

“Counties are advised to sensitize the public on the outbreak, necessary preventive measures, and steps to take if they contract the disease. Key preventive measures include frequent hand washing with soap and water or hand sanitizer, seeking early treatment, and avoiding close contact with sick persons,” Muthoni stated.