Nairobi, Kenya – August 25, 2024: Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has confirmed Kenya’s second case of Mpox, marking a critical moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to manage the disease. The case was detected in a male truck driver at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County, who exhibited symptoms consistent with the disease.
Details of the New Case
The truck driver, who had recently traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the Mpox outbreak, presented himself at the Port Health screening desk. Following laboratory tests, the results returned positive for Mpox.
“The Ministry wishes to inform the public of a second laboratory-confirmed case of the disease in the country; an adult male truck driver who presented to the Port Health screening desk at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County with salient symptoms of the disease and a history of travel to the epicentre of the outbreak in DRC,” CS Barasa stated.
Response and Containment Measures
In response to the confirmed case, the patient has been isolated and is currently receiving active management in a health facility in Busia County. CS Barasa assured the public that the Ministry of Health has enhanced active surveillance for suspected Mpox cases, not only in the affected region but across all counties, to control the spread of the disease.
To date, the Ministry has submitted forty-two (42) samples for Mpox testing, with forty (40) returning negative results. In addition, a total of 426,438 travelers have been screened at various Ports of Entry across Kenya.
“The Ministry emphasizes that our health facilities are adequately staffed and well-equipped to diagnose and manage this disease, and therefore its identification should not be a cause for alarm,” Barasa added, stressing that the health system is prepared to handle any potential increase in cases.
Ongoing Monitoring and Public Health Efforts
Since the first Mpox case was confirmed on July 31, 2024, Kenya has been on high alert. The Ministry has successfully managed the follow-up of 28 contacts related to the initial case, with all individuals completing a 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms, allowing them to be discharged from active follow-up.
The confirmation of this second case underscores the importance of continued vigilance and public cooperation as the Ministry works to prevent further spread of the disease. The Health Ministry’s swift response and robust surveillance measures are aimed at ensuring that Mpox remains under control.
As the situation develops, the Ministry of Health continues to encourage the public to stay informed and adhere to any guidelines provided by health authorities. Travelers, particularly those coming from regions affected by Mpox, are urged to undergo health screenings and report any symptoms immediately to healthcare providers.
