The Kenyan government has significantly tightened its surveillance measures to curb the spread of Mpox.
The Ministry of Health, through the Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, has deployed a series of new protocols at all entry points into the country, including airports. These measures aim to identify and isolate potential cases of the virus. According to Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, a data collection procedure has been established for all travellers entering or passing through Kenya. Travellers will be required to complete a health information slip, enabling authorities to trace their movements in the event of a suspected Mpox infection. During a visit to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to assess preparedness, Muthoni confirmed that adequate protocols, such as thermal screening and heightened border surveillance, are in place.
Kenya has recorded four confirmed cases of Mpox, with one patient in Garbatulla, Isiolo County, awaiting further testing. The latest case involved a truck driver from Mombasa travelling to Rwanda. The National Public Health Laboratory has received 90 samples for testing, with four positive results and two pending confirmation. As of August 31, over 599,000 individuals have been screened. Unfortunately, two deaths and ten cases of Mpox symptoms have been reported. The Ministry of Health has urged the public to refrain from sharing images of suspected cases, emphasizing the importance of avoiding stigma.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral infection transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal. It is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa, and recent outbreaks have raised global concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged countries to strengthen their surveillance and response efforts. The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced the most severe Mpox outbreak in Africa, with over 12,000 cases and 470 deaths reported this year. The East African Community (EAC) has alerted member states about the disease in Congo and urged them to implement preventive measures. Burundi has already confirmed three cases.
In Kenya, the Ministry of Health has been actively disseminating information through various channels to reach a wider audience. The government has also called for public support to assist in slowing the spread of the virus.
