The second Mpox case in Kenya was confirmed at the Malaba Border post in Busia.
In a statement today, Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa announced that the individual in question, a male truck driver with a history of travel to the epicenter of the outbreak in DRC, exhibited notable symptoms of the communicable disease.
“The patient has been isolated and is under active management in one of our health facilities in Busia County. Active surveillance for suspected cases has been enhanced in the region and across all counties to ensure the spread of the disease is controlled.” The statement said in part.
The CS added that 42 samples have been submitted to government laboratories for testing to date, 40 of which tested negative for the disease.
“In addition, we have screened a total of 426,438 travelers at our various Ports of Entry across the country.” She said.
“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.”
The first case of Mpox was confirmed late last month at the Taita Taveta one-stop border point.
Similar to the second case, the first person was also a truck driver who was en route from Uganda to Rwanda, via Kenya, when he was flagged at the border point. He was subsequently quarantined and he has since recovered.
“Since the declaration of the first case of Mpox disease on 31st July 2024, 28 contacts of the said case have completed a 21-day follow-up period without developing symptoms and have been discharged from active follow-up.” The statement by the CS added.
