How can you protect yourself from Mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease that is transmitted through direct contact with infected persons, contact with materials from infected persons or even sexual contact, and contact with infected animals. 

To stay safe from being infected with Mpox, you should: 

•Avoid close contact with infected individuals, including touching, hugging, kissing or engaging in sexual intercourse with infected persons.

•Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, beddings, utensils, and towels with infected persons.

•Always practice good hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using sanitizers. Ensure to properly disinfect surfaces touched by infected persons.

•When caring for infected persons, ensure you wear appropriate protective gear such as PPE.

 

Early Detection and timely Reporting of Mpox cases can help contain its spread

What to do:

•Always be vigilant and observant for key Mpox symptoms such as skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes. 

•Seek immediate medical attention or report any such signs to the local health authorities. 

•Avoid close contact with persons who display such early signs of Mpox.

•If you are the one displaying such symptoms, isolate from others and seek medical attention and guidance on isolation for at least 21 days.

•If you have been in contact with an infected person, have similar symptoms or suspect mpox infection, inform close contacts to monitor their health. 

 

How do you ensure Safety during Travel?

Before travelling, ensure you check Health advisories for your destination.

The multi-country break began in 2022.

Particularly, the clade Ib MPXV (Mpox virus) outbreak began in DRC Congo in September 2023 and is having an increasing number in cases while also expanding to neighboring countries which have reported their first cases: 

  • Burundi
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
  • Rwanda

 Beyond Africa, outbreaks have been reported in the following countries:

  • Sweden
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • Pakistan.

The clade II mpox has been reported in Ivory Coast.

The WHO has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), hence the need for heightened vigilance. 

The PHEIC is the highest level of alarm under the International Health Regulations (IHR).

Always be on high alert for Health travel advisories especially during outbreaks. 

You can also stay safe by avoiding non-essential travels to areas with Mpox outbreaks.

You should also ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical care and ensure to adhere to prevention guidelines.

Avoid contact with infected persons, materials from infected persons and maintain good hygiene practices. 

Extra Care for Health care workers

Health care workers and any other persons in close contact with Mpox patients should be extra vigilant to avoid getting infected. 

Heightened Surveillance and Contact tracing can aid in preventing spread of Mpox.

Countries, including Kenya have activated Public Health Emergency Operations to help coordinate response initiatives against mpox outbreak.

You can help the response initiatives by reporting any cases and any unidentified contacts to help curb mpox transmissions accordingly.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Kenya provides the following hotline numbers for reporting any Mpox cases:

719 OR +254729471414 OR +254732353535