Mpox: Nyong’o’s administration issues update on suspected cases

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration has issued an update on suspected cases of mpox (monkeypox) disease in the Lakeside County.

According to Dr. Gregory Ganda, Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, the two cases of suspected disease which originated from Kisumu East Sub-County turned negative.

“So far, we have tested two suspected cases—a 2-year-old and a 15-year-old – both tested negative,” said Ganda in a press statement.

The County, Dr. Ganda said had established a testing protocol, including specimen collection and referral to a Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) laboratory which facilitated testing of the two cases.

He highlighted some of the measures already in place, in a bid to detect and prevent spread of the disease in the County.

The measures include activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate and streamline response to Mpox, activation of County and Sub-County Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) and circulation of Mpox case definitions (suspected, probable, and confirmed) to all surveillance officers and health providers.

“We have also developed a digital screening tool and circulated to health providers,” added Dr. Ganda.

“We have set up an isolation ward at Kisumu County Referral Hospital (KCRH) and a holding isolation ward at all Sub-County and County hospitals to manage any suspected cases.”

Further, the CECM noted, they are working on a comprehensive risk communication strategy to keep the public informed on the evolving situation and updated on preventive measures.

“We assure the public of our preparedness and remain committed to keeping the public informed and safe as we navigate this situation,” stated Ganda.

The country has so far recorded two cases of the Mpox disease. The first case was confirmed on July 31, 2024, before the second was reported on August 24, at the Kenya – Uganda border in Busia.