Mpox disease: Kenyans urged to avoid bushmeat

By Peter Ochieng

Kenyans have been urged to avoid bushmeat, as one of the measures against spread of the Mpox (monkeypox) disease.

Bushmeat refers to meat from wildlife species that are hunted for human consumption. Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) in a warning against handling and consumption of bushmeat said the disease has a high potential transmission from animals to humans.

“This entreaty comes in the wake of reports of cases of Mpox affection in the country. Though reported cases are isolated thus far, the prevailing situation, nonetheless, foreshadows a potential eruption if cautionary counsel from experts goes unheeded,” said the CS in a statement on Saturday.

“In this day and age of dire consequences of extreme climate change ebb and flow, host-vector-pathogen dynamics are likely to result in unprecedented disease emergence and re-emergence, thus making the call to stay away from bushmeat urgent,” she added.

Her warning comes on the backdrop of the fact that recent emergence of zoonotic diseases, such as Ebola and other viral infections, has been closely linked to the consumption of bushmeat.

“The wide range of possible afflictions heralded by handling or consumption of bushmeat alone is ample reason for all responsible Kenyans to completely avoid any incautious dalliance with wildlife now and in the future,” stated the CS.

On Friday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a second confirmed case of the disease in the country. “The patient, an adult male truck driver, was identified at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County, showing symptoms after travelling from the outbreak epicentre in DRC,” health CS Debrah Mlongo Barasa stated in a statement.

The first case was reported towards the end of July, 2024.

Confirmation of the second case prompted Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, to make an impromptu visit to the Suam one-stop border post in Trans Nzoia County, to evaluate its readiness in light of the MPox outbreak.

She reviewed the current screening and surveillance measures, the deployment of health personnel, and the effectiveness of public health messaging at the border.

PS Muthoni emphasised the importance of robust preparedness to manage any potential cases and urged travellers and the public to follow Ministry of Health guidelines and report any symptoms immediately.