Mpox: Government Warns Kenyans Against Handling, Consuming Bushmeat Over Viral Disease

• The government has issued a directive urging Kenyans to avoid consuming bush meat due to the spread of Mpox in the country
• Tourism CS Rebecca Miano noted that zoonotic diseases, whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, spread through direct contact or through food, water, or the surrounding environment
• This announcement follows a day after the Ministry of Health confirmed the second case of Mpox in the country

The government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, has issued a directive warning Kenyans against handling or consuming bush meat due to the rapid spread of Mpox in the country.

What did govt say about bush meat?

In a press statement, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano noted that zoonotic diseases, which can be bacterial, viral, or parasitic, spread through direct contact or via food, water, or the surrounding environment.

"Therefore, duly advised by relevant authorities within the State Department of Wildlife under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, I appeal to all Kenyans to desist from handling or consuming bushmeat forthwith. This entreaty comes in the wake of reports of cases of Mpox infection in the country," she said.

She also confirmed that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Training and Research Institute (WRTI) are collaborating with the Ministry of Health as part of the national Mpox management team, which is currently receiving updates on the outbreak.

Miano added that Veterinarians within these organisations are closely monitoring the situation and remain on high alert following reports of a recent Mpox outbreak in the region.

"In any event, the public ought to keep in mind that the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013 prohibits bushmeat poaching and hunting," said the CS

Govt confirms second Mpox case

This comes a day after the Ministry of Health confirmed the nation's second case of Mpox.

Ministry reported that the patient, an adult male truck driver, was detected at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia county.

He exhibited symptoms after travelling from the outbreak epicentre in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The patient was isolated and is under active management in one health facility in Busia County.

Further active surveillance for active cases has been enhanced in the region across all counties to ensure the spread of the disease is controlled.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.