Health officials in Kenya have urged citizens to remain vigilant after three new cases of mpox were reported in the country, Xinhua news agency reported. This took the total number of cases to 17 and also ended the gap of one month. Deborah Barassa, Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Health, said in a statement that the government has stepped up its public health response to the disease and urged Kenyans to postpone non-essential travel to areas with active MPOX transmission.

He said the three fresh cases are under management, while 13 patients have fully recovered and one has died. He further said, “So far, 83 contacts have been identified, of which 78 have completed the required 21-day follow-up. Of these contacts, three have tested positive for mpox, and two are in active follow-up.

Barasa also urged citizens to follow Mpox preventive measures including avoiding close contact with infected persons or their objects, limiting the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk and frequent hand washing or use of hand sanitizer. This includes maintaining good hygiene through the use of

The World Health Organization has launched an initiative to stop the spread of Mpox across Africa. Under this, Kenya is one of the five African countries that is set to receive 50,000 doses of the mPox vaccine, which is expected to arrive in the country in December.

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a zoonotic disease and was first found in monkeys. MPox usually causes a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. While most people recover from the condition, some may become very ill.

This virus spreads from one person to another through touch, kissing or sex. However, it is usually spread from animals while hunting, skinning, or cooking them. It can also be spread through contaminated bedsheets, clothing or needles and from infected pregnant mothers to their unborn babies.

Tips to keep yourself safe MPOX outbreak

Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent MPOX. Other forms of prevention include reducing human contact with infected animals and limiting person-to-person spread.

vaccine for mpox

Experts say that vaccines developed for smallpox also provide protection against mpox.

Other measures to prevent MPox

• Avoid contact with infected animals, especially sick or dead animals
• Avoid contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus
• thoroughly cook all foods that contain meat or parts of animals
• wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected with the virus
• Practice safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams
• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for people infected with the virus.

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