By Ongaga Ongaga
The Ministry of Health has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant against Mpox, warning that the virus continues to pose a significant public health threat despite ongoing efforts to contain its spread.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said Monday that Kenyans should remain alert and take necessary precautions as the government steps up surveillance, public sensitisation and screening at the country’s border points.
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Speaking after chairing a departmental management meeting bringing together heads of departments under the State Department for Public Health, Muthoni said the country was “not yet out of the woods” in the fight against viral diseases.
She said Mpox remained prevalent in communities, particularly in areas along major transport corridors and border points.
According to the PS, seven counties have been identified as being at the highest risk of Mpox transmission, with Mombasa recording the highest number of affected cases, followed by Nairobi.
The other high-risk counties are Busia, Makueni, Kiambu, Kilifi and Nakuru.
Kenya has so far recorded 1,298 confirmed Mpox cases across 40 of the country’s 47 counties, with the disease having claimed 19 lives, according to the status report issued by the Ministry.
Muthoni warned that the continued presence of the virus in communities requires sustained vigilance, particularly at points of entry into the country.
The ministry has consequently called for intensified screening at border points and continued public education to help identify and contain new infections.
Muthoni also addressed concerns over Ebola, saying Kenya has no confirmed cases of the virus but has measures in place to respond to any suspected infection.
She said the ministry remained focused on preventing the virus from entering the country and strengthening preparedness at points of entry.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is preparing for the possible impact of the El Niño rains projected by the Kenya Meteorological Department.
Muthoni said the ministry will hold a stakeholder meeting on Wednesday to assess the potential health impact of the anticipated rains and agree on appropriate mitigation measures.
She said about 18 counties are considered to be at high risk of the effects of El Niño, raising concerns over increased cases of waterborne diseases.
The ministry’s management meeting agreed on measures to cushion communities against the anticipated health risks, including enhanced disease surveillance, public sensitisation and preparedness ahead of and during the rainy season.
The ministry is particularly concerned about the possibility of flooding and contaminated water sources triggering outbreaks of waterborne diseases, as has happened during previous periods of heavy rains.
Muthoni said the government would continue working with stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and ensure Kenyans receive timely information on preventing and responding to disease outbreaks.
