Nairobi – Kenya has confirmed its first case of mpox, a viral disease causing flu-like symptoms and a painful rash. The infected individual was identified at the Taita Taveta border post while traveling from Uganda to Rwanda.
The Ministry of Health issued a public advisory urging Kenyans to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, to minimize infection risks. The ministry also advised seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms develop.
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person and can be fatal in severe cases. While most cases are mild, the disease remains a public health concern, especially given the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kenya has been on high alert since early July following the surge in mpox cases in neighboring countries. The government has implemented measures at border entry points to monitor travelers and prevent the disease’s spread.
Authorities have yet to release further details about the infected individual.
