Kenya Records First Mpox Fatality as Cases Rise to 13

Kenya has reported its first death from Mpox, a viral disease formerly known as monkeypox, as health authorities confirm 13 cases nationwide. According to a report by The Nation, one person has died, and 57 others have been infected since the virus emerged in the country. This marks a significant public health concern as the disease continues to spread across the African continent.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, speaking to the media, highlighted the efforts being made to combat the outbreak. “The cumulative number of people sensitized on Mpox at points of entry (POE) is 366,838. Plans are underway to deploy rapid response teams for comprehensive investigation and contact tracing,” Muthoni was quoted as saying. The deployment of these teams will be critical in identifying new cases early and preventing further transmission of the virus.

Mpox, which causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions, has become a growing concern in Africa, with cases reported in 17 countries. The disease is transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, and while most people recover, it can be fatal in some cases, particularly among those with weakened immune systems.

Kenya’s health authorities are focusing on containment and prevention strategies, including increasing awareness and training at entry points, to curb the spread of the virus. Rapid response teams are being deployed to investigate new cases and trace the contacts of those infected. Public health officials are working closely with international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen the country’s response to the outbreak.

Mpox is not new to Africa, having been endemic in parts of Central and West Africa for decades. However, the recent rise in cases across the continent and beyond has raised alarm. Kenya’s outbreak adds to the growing list of African nations grappling with the virus, alongside countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which have reported larger outbreaks.

Neighboring Zimbabwe recently confirmed two cases of Mpox, further illustrating the regional spread of the virus. Zimbabwean health authorities reported the cases in Harare and Mberengwa, Midlands Province. Both individuals are in home isolation and receiving treatment, according to local health officials. Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health is also on high alert, ramping up its efforts to contain the virus and prevent further spread.