The recent declaration by WHO of Mpox as a Global Health Emergency has raised concerns from various quarters. Even though Kenya has been mentioned amongst the “affected” countries; through the Ministry of Health would like to reassure all stakeholders and visitors that there are currently no active cases of Monkeypox in Kenya.
KTF wishes to make clarifications on this issue, and to reassure intending travelers to Kenya as follows:
- Single Confirmed Case: Kenya recorded only one confirmed case of Mpox and this was associated with a traveler who was transiting through the country. This case was promptly managed, and no further local transmission has been detected or reported.
- No Current Active Cases: At present, there are no active cases of Mpox within Kenya. The Ministry of Health has been vigilant, and extensive measures have been taken to ensure the situation remains under control.
- No Local Infections: There have been no reports of Kenyan citizens contracting Mpox. The situation is closely monitored, and local health services are prepared to manage any potential cases effectively.
- Enhanced Border Surveillance: To prevent the spread of Mpox from outside our borders, surveillance measures at all border crossings have been significantly heightened. There are adequate precautions in place to ensure that any potential cases are identified and managed swiftly, maintaining the safety and health of both residents and visitors.
Mpox Transmission and Symptoms:
Mpox, a viral infection similar to smallpox, primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person or contaminated materials. It can also spread via respiratory droplets, though this is less common. Transmission typically occurs through:
- Direct contact with the rash or bodily fluids of an infected person.
- Contact with contaminated objects such as bedding or clothing.
- Respiratory droplets in prolonged, close contact settings.
Symptoms of Mpox include:
- Fever and chills.
- Rash that begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body.
- Muscle aches and back pain.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Headache and fatigue.
Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Kenya remains a safe and welcoming destination and the health and safety of citizens and visitors are a top priority. The safety measures currently put in place by the Health Authorities are designed to ensure that the risk of Mpox transmission remains minimal.
We caution all tourism stakeholders to stay informed, adhere to any recommended safety protocols, and continue their operations with confidence; as we welcome all intending visitors to proceed for enjoyable, safe and magical visit to Kenya.
The KTF-Safety Centre remains alert, actively monitoring the situation and will dispatch real-time updates as the situation demands. We encourage all travelers to stay informed through reliable sources and official channels to ensure that your visit to Kenya is as pleasant and memorable as ever.
