Govt Sounds Alarm Over Silent Spread of MPOX Across Kenya

A person with Mpox on their hands PHOTO/BD

Kenyans have been advised to remain vigilant as the Ministry of Health has raised concerns over the spread of MPOX in the country, with 1,298 cases and 19 deaths recorded.

Speaking on Monday after chairing a departmental management meeting with heads of departments under the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the virus remains an active public health threat despite ongoing response measures.

Muthoni noted that MPOX continues to spread silently within communities, especially along major transport corridors and border areas, making it important to create awareness and put in place preventive measures.

According to Muthoni, the situation remains serious, adding that isolation wards in hospitals continue to receive MPOX patients, showing the virus’s continued presence in the country.

Confirmed Cases

The Ministry of Health says MPOX has been confirmed in 40 of the 47 counties, with seven counties identified as being at the highest risk because of their location.

These seven counties are Mombasa, Nairobi, Busia, Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi and Nakuru, with Mombasa recording the highest number of cases, followed by Nairobi.

The management meeting resolved to strengthen public sensitization campaigns while enhancing screening and surveillance at all border points to stop further transmission.

Additionally, Muthoni said the country should not become complacent, emphasizing that the response efforts will continue as health authorities work to contain the outbreak.

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No Cases Of Ebola

On concerns about other infectious diseases, the PS said Kenya has not recorded any confirmed Ebola cases but assured the public that preparedness measures remain in place to detect and respond to any suspected cases.

She said the ministry has maintained surveillance systems which are aimed at preventing the virus from entering the country through various points of entry.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains after the Kenya Meteorological Department projected that enhanced rainfall could affect parts of the country in the coming months.

On the same note, the Ministry of Health said it will convene a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday to assess potential health impacts and coordinate preparedness efforts.

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Furthermore, 18 counties have been identified as being at high risk of the effects of El Niño, including increased cases of waterborne diseases.

Ministry said it is developing measures to protect communities through disease prevention, public education, and coordinated emergency response before and during the expected rainy season.

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