Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, a new confirmed case of Mpox in Nakuru County, bringing the total number of cases nationwide to 18 since the outbreak began.
The ministry assured the public of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the virus while emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
The latest case in Nakuru highlights the persistent spread of Mpox, with infections now distributed across 11 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Bungoma.
While four cases remain under active management, the majority, 14 patients, have fully recovered.
“Our laboratories have confirmed one (1) new case from Nakuru county. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to Eighteen (18). The cases are distributed as follows: Nakuru (4), Nairobi (2), Mombasa (2), Kajiado (2), Bungoma (2), Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Makueni (1), Kericho (1) Uasin-Gishu (1) and Kilifi (1).
“Currently, four (4) cases are under management, while 14 individuals have fully recovered. Additionally, 115 contacts have been identified, with 80 completing the required 21-day follow-up. Three (3) of these contacts have tested positive for Mpox, and thirty-two (32) remain under follow-up,” the Ministry of Health said.
The ministry has ramped up surveillance, screening over 1.9 million travellers at Points of Entry (POEs) since the outbreak’s onset, with 14,311 individuals screened in the past 24 hours alone.
Of the 296 samples tested at the National Public Health Laboratory, 18 have returned positive, while 272 tested negative. Results for six samples remain pending.
Contact tracing has been a cornerstone of the ministry’s response, with 115 individuals identified as close contacts of confirmed cases.
Among these, 80 have completed the mandated 21-day follow-up period, although three tested positive for Mpox. 32 contacts remain under observation.
The Ministry of Health is urging Kenyans to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive guidelines, including avoiding close contact with infected individuals or their belongings, maintaining proper hygiene through regular handwashing or sanitizing, and limiting sexual partners to reduce exposure risks.
“Preventive measures are critical at this stage to halt the virus’s spread,” the ministry stated, noting that cooperation from the public has played a significant role in containing the outbreak thus far.
Mpox commonly causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, with severe cases possible, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
For further updates, the Ministry of Health has set up a hotline for public inquiries and encourages individuals to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms associated with Mpox.
“For inquiries or to report suspected Mpox cases, contact the Ministry through our emergency hotlines: 719, 0729471414, or 0732353535. Together, through vigilance, collaboration, and adherence to preventive measures, we will continue to protect our communities and curb the spread of disease.”
