Health CS Adan Duale released a statement on the situation of Mpox in the country. Photo: Adan Duale X.
The Ministry of Health has released the situation of Mpox infection across the country, with 314 reported infections have been confirmed since the surge of the infection in July.
According to a statement released by Health cabinet Secretary Adan Duale, a total of 33 cases are current admitted in various hospitals across the country, while 54 are under home based isolation.
Additionally, 222 people have fully recovered, with five patients succumbed, with the fatality rate at 1.6%.
The infection has been reported in 22 counties Mombasa 146, Busia 63 Nakuru 21, Kilifi 19, Nairobi 17, Makueni 13, Taita Taveta 5, Uasin Gishu 5, Bungoma 4, Kajiado and Kakamega 3 cases each, Kericho and Machakos 2, while Migori, Kisii, Kirinyaga, Isiolo, Kitui, Narok, Baringo and Trans Nzoia 1 case each.
422 contacts have been positively identified, 392 of them under monitor for 21 recommended days. From the figures, 15 have tested positive of Mpox, while others remaining under observation.
The Ministry confirmed screening over 4.7 million travelers at the airports and other entry points, with 905 samples tested 314 turned positive taking infections to a positive rate of 34.6%.
According to Duale, the Ministry has put in place several intervention measures including collaboration with county governments and partners to scale up surveillance across all counties and has deployed multi-disciplinary Rapid Response Team (RRTs) to strengthen of healthcare workers, active case search, contact listing, tracing, investigation and symptomatic management of confirmed cases.
“Additionally, risk communication and community engagement activities are ongoing in the affected counties to enhance public awareness, reduce stigma and promote infection prevention and control measures. To date, over two million individuals have been sensitized on Mpox at various points of entry (POEs),” Duale said.
Members of the public have been urged to take preventive measures including; avoid close contact with suspected or confirmed case and sharing personal items, use personal protective equipment like gloves and face masks when in contact with infected persons.
Avoid sharing beddings ad clothing with sick people, practice personal hygiene, report any suspected or confirmed case to the nearest health facility and self-isolate if one is suspected and seek immediate medical service.
“The Ministry urges the public to adhere to official public health advisories and to seek accurate , up-to-date information and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals,” Duale urged.
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