The Ministry of Health has confirmed that it has diagnosed a third case of Mpox disease in the country.
Confirming the case, the Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth said the female patient aged 30 years who tested positive to the disease is stable and is undergoing management in an isolation unit in Nairobi County.
The patient had travelled to Uganda one week ago.
“Active surveillance for suspected cases is ongoing in the country to ensure the spread of the disease is controlled,” said Dr. Amoth.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Dr. Amoth further announced that a total of 89 samples have been submitted to the laboratories for Mpox disease testing out of which 79 samples have tested negative.
Director General said the remaining seven samples are currently undergoing analysis.
He at the same time disclosed that the second patient who was diagnosed with the disease in the country has fully recovered, and was discharged, noting that the 17 contacts who had been in contact with the patients are still under observation.
The first and second cases were detected in Taita Taveta and Busia Counties.
Dr. Amoth said the Ministry of Health has so far screened a total of 582,847 travellers at 26 designated ports of entry across the country, and assured members of the public not to panic as health facilities across the country are fully prepared to diagnose and manage the disease.
“The rapid response teams are in place to support affected counties with thorough investigations and appropriate response measure to any new cases,” he assured, adding that public health emergency operation centers have also been activated nationwide to enhance coordination of response efforts.
“Incident management teams have been established to oversee coordination activities at both national and county level,” stated Dr. Amoth.
He at the same time encouraged members of the public to stay informed and follow the recommended health guidelines from the ministry to prevent the spread of the disease.
The public health measures to be observed include regular wash of hands with soap and running water and use of hand sanitizer, practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting Mpox symptoms, avoidance of sharing personal items such as towels, utensils and clothing, and individuals exhibiting Mpox signs to visit nearest health facilities.
Amoth also cautioned members of the public not to consume uninspected meat and meat products from wild animals and to limit non-essential travel to countries currently experiencing significant Mpox outbreaks.
The Ministry announced that members of the public who need more information on the disease to access it through hotlines 719, +245729471414 and +254732353535.
By Bernadette Khaduli
