Kenya confirms Monkey Pox: Everything you need to know about the disease
The Ministry of Health of Kenya confirmed its first Mpox case on July 31 involving a traveler from Rwanda to Uganda via Kenya. Mpox, caused by the Monkeypox virus, presents symptoms like rash, fever, and muscle aches. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected individuals, vaccination, and good hygiene practices.
The Ministry of Health of Kenya has confirmed the country’s first instance of a viral sickness caused by the Monkeypox virus. In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 31, the Ministry of Health verified a Mpox outbreak in Kenya at the Taita Taveta One-Stop Border Point in an individual travelling from Rwanda to Uganda via Kenya.
Overview
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus, known as Monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family as the virus that causes smallpox. People with Mpox often get a rash, along with other symptoms. Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes Mpox has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms of Mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes
Preventing Mpox
There are various ways to protect yourself and others from Mpox, including:
- Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with persons who have a rash resembling Mpox and animals that contain the virus.
- Getting a vaccine.
- Check with your doctor to see if the Mpox vaccine is appropriate for you.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, and isolate yourself to prevent the virus from spreading.
Stay safe!
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