Mpox: Kenyan Govt Confirms There's No Active Case, Patient Has Fully Recovered

• The Ministry of Health has on Friday, August 16, confirmed that there are currently no cases of Mpox in the country
• The ministry also confirmed that the first person to be confirmed with the disease in Taita Taveta has fully recovered
• This follows the World Health Organization's declaration of Mpox as a global health emergency, citing its spread as concerning

Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has issued a statement confirming that there are no Mpox cases in the country.

What did Barasa say about Mpox?

In a statement obtained by TUKO.co.ke, Barasa announced that the first case of the disease, identified at the Taita Taveta One-Stop Border Point, has fully recovered.

"The Ministry of Health wishes to reassure Kenyans that there are no active cases of Mpox disease in the country," Barasa said.

She further clarified that Kenya has reported only one case of Mpox, involving an individual who traveled from Kampala, Uganda, to Mombasa, then to Rwanda via Tanzania through Taita Taveta, and is now recovered.

Barasa added that the ministry has ensured that all individuals who came into contact with the person and other suspected cases tested negative.

" We have screened 12 persons who came into contact with the index case and another six different suspected cases all of whom tested negative for the disease," she added.

No new cases of the disease have been confirmed since the first case in the country.

Symptoms and how to prevent the disease

Ministry of Health had initially detailed the symptoms of the disease, noting that an infected individual may exhibit signs such as a skin rash or mucosal lesions, fever, headache, generalized aches, and swollen lymph nodes.

However, individuals can prevent contracting the disease by avoiding close contact with those showing Mpox symptoms or confirmed cases.

One can also ensure their safety by washing their hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms occur and to isolate yourself to prevent the virus from spreading.

WHO declares Mpox a global health emergency

The Ministry of Health's announcement follows the World Health Organization's declaration of Mpox a global health emergency.

The WHO described the rapid spread of the disease as worrying.

The highly contagious disease, previously known as monkeypox, has caused at least 450 deaths during an initial outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.