The Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of Mpox in Kenya that has been reported at the Taita-Taveta one-stop border point (OSBP).
In a statement on Wednesday, MoH said the patient was travelling from Uganda to Rwanda through Kenya.
MoH has now warned the public to avoid close contact with persons with suspected or confirmed disease.
Origin of Mpox
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), first identified in 1958 in monkeys in Denmark.
The first human case was reported in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Mpox is primarily endemic to Central and West Africa, with two main clades; Clade I from Central Africa and Clade II from West Africa.
The virus can spread from animals, likely rodents, to humans and between humans through close contact.
A global outbreak occurred in 2022-2023, raising awareness of its transmission dynamics beyond traditional endemic regions.
Geographic distribution
Mpox is endemic primarily in Central and West Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In 2023, DRC reported over 12,500 suspected cases across 22 provinces, marking the highest annual total to date.
The disease is spreading into previously unaffected areas, including urban centers like Kinshasa, with evidence of human-to-human transmission linked to travel from endemic regions.
Clade I, associated with more severe illness, is now documented in sexual networks, raising concerns about international spread and outbreaks in neighboring countries.
Human-to-human transmission
Mpox spreads primarily through close human-to-human contact.
Transmission occurs via direct contact with skin lesions, scabs or bodily fluids from an infected person, including during intimate activities like kissing or sexual intercourse.
The virus can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions.
Additionally, contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding used by an infected individual, can facilitate transmission.
The virus can also be transmitted from pregnant individuals to their fetuses. Infectiousness lasts from symptom onset until lesions have healed completely.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Mpox presents with flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches.
A characteristic rash develops, starting as flat red bumps that progress to painful blisters, eventually crusting over and healing within 2 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms typically manifest 5 to 21 days post-exposure, with the rash appearing 1 to 4 days after initial symptoms.
Diagnosis involves taking a tissue sample from lesions for PCR testing. Blood tests are less reliable due to the short duration of the virus in the bloodstream.
Prevention and control
Mpox prevention and control involve several key strategies.
First and foremost, vaccination is crucial. The JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended, which consists of two doses administered four weeks apart.
This vaccine significantly reduces the risk of contracting mpox and can help curb outbreaks.
In addition to vaccination, it is important to avoid close contact with individuals who exhibit mpox-like rashes or symptoms.
This includes steering clear of skin-to-skin contact, particularly during intimate activities, as this is a primary mode of transmission.
Practicing good hygiene is also essential in preventing the spread of mpox.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water, or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, can help reduce the risk of infection.
Furthermore, limiting exposure to potentially contaminated materials and refraining from sharing personal items can contribute to control efforts.
Finally, monitoring for symptoms is critical. Individuals should be vigilant for any signs of mpox for up to 21 days following potential exposure.
If symptoms develop, seeking medical advice promptly is important for early diagnosis and management. By following these strategies, the risk of mpox can be significantly minimized.
