Health authorities in Nairobi County have confirmed a third case of Mpox, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease in the region. The case was detected on Thursday, following a series of tests conducted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
According to Dr. Catherine Maina, Nairobi County’s Health Director, the patient is a 29-year-old resident of Eastlands who reported symptoms consistent with Mpox, including fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The patient is currently receiving treatment at an isolation facility, and contact tracing efforts are underway to prevent further transmission.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us to remain vigilant,” said Dr. Maina during a press briefing. “We urge the public to practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility.”
Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that spreads through direct contact with infected persons, animals, or contaminated materials. While the disease is generally self-limiting, vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.
In response to the latest case, the Nairobi County government has ramped up surveillance and community awareness campaigns to mitigate the spread of the virus. Health officers have been deployed to high-risk areas to conduct screenings and educate residents about preventive measures.
The Ministry of Health has also emphasized the importance of vaccination for those at high risk. Kenya has been receiving limited supplies of Mpox vaccines through partnerships with international health organizations. Plans are underway to distribute these vaccines strategically in counties with reported cases, including Nairobi.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the news, with some calling for stricter containment measures while others voiced concerns about misinformation and stigma associated with the disease.
“This is not just a health issue but a societal one,” remarked Dr. Maina. “We need to combat misinformation and foster a culture of responsibility to ensure that fear does not impede our efforts to control the disease.”
The third case in Nairobi underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between health authorities and the public to curb the spread of Mpox. Officials continue to urge calm, stressing that the situation is under control and that prompt action will be taken to address any emerging cases
Residents are advised to remain informed through credible sources and to report any suspicious symptoms to the county's emergency health hotlines
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