Debosmita Ghosh • 10 Nov 2024
Kenya Reports New Mpox Cases, Urges Public Vigilance; Tips To Keep Yourself Protected Amid Outbreak
Kenya Reports New Mpox Cases, Urges Public Vigilance
The health authorities in Kenya have urged citizens to stay vigilant after the country reported three new cases of mpox, report Xinhua News Agency. This brings the total number of cases to 17 and it also ended a month-long hiatus. Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Health, in a statement, said that the government has intensified public health response to the disease and urged Kenyans to defer non-essential travel to areas with active mpox transmission.
She said the three latest cases are under management while 13 patients have fully recovered and one reported death. She added, “So far, 83 contacts have been identified, with 78 completing the required 21-day follow-up. Of these contacts, three have tested positive for mpox, and two remain under active follow-up.”
Barasa has also urged citizens to follow mpox preventive measures which include avoiding close contact with infected individuals or their items, limiting the number of sexual partners to reduce exposure and maintaining good hygiene through frequent handwashing or hand sanitiser use.
The World Health Organisation has led an initiative to prevent mpox spread across Africa. Under this, Kenya is one of five African nations set to receive 50,000 doses of the mpox vaccine which are expected in the country in December.
Mpox is a viral disease that’s caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic disease and was first discovered in monkeys. Mpox usually causes painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. While most people recover from the condition, some people might get very sick.
The virus spreads from person to person through touch, kissing or sex. However, from animals, it usually spreads when hunting, skinning, or cooking them. It can also spread from contaminated sheets, clothes or needles and from infected pregnant mothers to their unborn babies.
Tips To Keep Yourself Protected Amid Mpox Outbreak
Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent mpox. Other forms of prevention include decreasing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread.
Vaccine for mpox
Experts say that vaccines developed for smallpox also provide protection against mpox.
Other ways to prevent mpox
- Avoid contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead animals
- Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus
- Thoroughly cook all foods that contain animal meat or parts
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus
- Practice safe sex, including the use of condoms and dental dams
- Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.
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