• Dr. Barasa urges the public to take proactive measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, including avoiding close contact with anyone infected or showing symptoms, not touching items like bedding or clothing that an infected person has used and limiting sexual partners to reduce exposure risk.

Since the first case of the severe Clade 1b variant of the MPOX virus was confirmed on July 31, 2024, the spread of the virus has escalated quickly. The Ministry of Health has reported two additional cases in Makueni and Kajiado counties within the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to seven.

In a statement made on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa Mulongo noted that the cases are now spread across various counties: Taita Taveta (1), Busia (1), Nairobi (1), Mombasa (1), Nakuru (1), Makueni (1), and Kajiado (1).

“No deaths have been reported among the confirmed cases. Sixty one (61) contacts for the first five (5) cases were identified , listed, traced and monitored,” stated the Ministry.

The contacts completed a 21-day follow-up period, during which only one contact tested positive.

“Efforts are ongoing to trace contacts for the two new cases to curb further transmission,” added the Ministry.

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Dr. Barasa urges the public to take proactive measures to help prevent the spread of the virus, including avoiding close contact with anyone infected or showing symptoms, not touching items like bedding or clothing that an infected person has used and limiting sexual partners to reduce exposure risk.

Other measures stated include regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and steering clear of wild animals and avoiding bush meat.

While MPOX can spread easily through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, it’s crucial for the public to recognize the symptoms, which include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and a distinctive rash resembling pimples or blisters.

The Ministry of Health also encourages everyone to disregard false information and stay informed through credible sources. They are actively collaborating with county governments and partners to strengthen efforts to control the MPOX outbreak through enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, diagnostic testing, and public awareness campaigns.

“If you need assistance, please reach out to the Ministry hotline at 719,” said the Ministry.