Ugandan patient triggers Monkeypox outbreak alert in Kenya

The individual, identified as a Ugandan national, was found to be infected at the Taita Taveta one-stop border point. The patient was en route from Uganda to Rwanda via Kenya when the diagnosis was made, prompting immediate action from Kenyan health authorities.

Mary Muthoni Muriuki, principal secretary in the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of public health measures to curb the spread of the disease.

The case highlights the risk of regional transmission, particularly given the high volume of movement along the northern and central transport corridors in East Africa.

Heightened surveillance

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with county governments and port health facilities, is enhancing surveillance and encouraging the public to report suspected cases.

Monkeypox, endemic to forested regions of East, Central, and West Africa, spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or droplets.

The current global outbreak has seen fluctuating case numbers, with significant peaks noted in August 2022 and between June and November 2023. The Kenyan government urges vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to prevent further spread of the disease within the country and region.