Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni during the media sensitization meeting today. PHOTO: Ministry of Health/X
The government through the Ministry of Health in partnership with other organizations, including Long Distance Trucks Union today, held a media sensitization meeting on Mpox in Nairobi with the number of reported cases rising to 36 across the country.
The ministry’s Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said 3 cases were reported in the last three days. Nakuru has recorded a large number with 10 cases and Mombasa 8. Busia has recorded three cases.
“Mpox has been reported in 12 counties, thus the need by the media to intensify its efforts in public awareness campaign and enhance diseases surveillance at border points,” she said.
The PS added, “ The public needs enhancement of personal and environmental hygiene and draining of stagnant water including preventable diseases and diarrhoea, noting that only 15 counties are open defecation, calling for every household to have at least a toilet or latrine.”
Muthoni also disclosed that the ministry has also intensified its efforts in case of an outbreak of Maburg viral disease, which was reported in Kagera, Tanzania, on January 21, 2025, noting that the region is a transit hub including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and DR Congo.
Dr Michelle Wangui said that Mpox can be transmitted from animal to animal like monkeys and squirrels or human to human are transmitted through respiratory contact, pregnant woman to unborn child. Other symptoms include rush, fever, sore throat and joint pains, among others.
She disclosed that DR Congo is the country with leading Mpox reported cases since 2023 in Africa with type 1b, although Kenya has the same. It also spread to Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda for the first time.
Wangui said the first Mpox virus was reported in Kenya on 31 July 2024, involving a truck driver in Holili Taita Taveta, adding that 12 counties that have reported Mpox cases, are transport corridors.
“ Three latest cases were reported on 20/1/25 with Kilifi and Busia counties falling victims. 32 patients have recovered so far. One is recovering through home-based care while one died in Bungoma County. Female account for 61% with age groups 0-60 and 30-44, which is most affected,” she remarked.
Wangui noted that truck drivers have the highest number of those affected by the disease, followed by business people and female sex workers, adding that 3 million travellers have been screened for Mpox. Out of 244 contacts, 9 developed Mpox.
Wangui urged the public to embrace hand washing, sanitization, no sharing of bedding and avoid indulging in multiple sex practice.
The chairman of Long Distance Truck Drivers Elijah Nyaga said they will work closely with the Ministry of Health to avail them with education for his members, avail mobile clinic, prevention measures like masks, training, tracking and report each sign and community service.
“We are the economy movers who transport cargo and passengers through the border, thus the need for us to work with the Ministry of Health to minimise the spread of Mpox. Early detection by the media is critical,” he said.
CEO Health Truck Union Carol Ndungu said the majority of the group that are at high risk of contracting mpox disease are truck drivers, especially for having multiple partners.
Dr Luigi Aquin, UNICEF Africa representative on matters health said the organization will leverage resources to support the government of Kenya in the response against Mpox.
“The media’s role is to keep people informed about what is happening, noting that misleading information erodes public trust,” he said.
Dr Abdourmane Diallo of World Health Organisation Kenya told the media to focus on verified information on matters Mpox, partner with health authorities, promote prevention measures and avoid stigmatization of victims.
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