Kenya confirms third case of mpox disease
By Peter Ochieng
A third case of the Mpox (monkey pox) disease has been confirmed in the country.
According to the Director General for health Dr. Patrick Amoth, the latest case involves a 30-year-old patient who tested positive in Kenya's Capital, Nairobi.
The patient, Amoth announced has a recent travel history to Uganda.
He added that she is in a stable condition, in an isolation unit in Nairobi.
He urged Kenyans to remain calm, adding that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has put in measures to prevent full blown spread of the disease.
"We wish to reassure the public that our healthcare facilities are fully prepared to diagnose and manage this disease and there is no need to panic," he stated in a statement.
"We remain dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of all citizens and we will continue implementing comprehensive response measures."
The Director General said active surveillance measures have been put in place, including rigorous screening of travellers at the country’s designated ports of entry.
He said over 582,000 individuals have been screened to date.
The number of mpox cases in the country now stand at three, after two cases were reported in Tana River and Busia counties respectively.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Social Health Authority (SHA) held a National Validation Exercise for the Social Health Insurance Act tariffs.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Mlongo Barasa stressed the importance of these tariffs for improving healthcare accessibility and affordability.
She called for all Kenyans to register with the SHA to access benefits starting October 1st, 2024.
The Social Health Insurance Act features three key funds to boost preventive health, expand coverage, and protect against medical costs.
Dr. Barasa also announced increased tariffs for maternal health and emergency care, highlighting the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare.
She thanked stakeholders for their ongoing support in strengthening the health system.
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