Mpox outbreak in Nigeria

Kenya has confirmed its first case of Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, detected at the Taita Taveta one-stop border point involving a traveler moving from Uganda to Rwanda. The Ministry of Health reported that the infected individual exhibited classic symptoms including a skin rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. This case raises concerns about potential regional transmission, especially given the high population movement in East Africa, where several neighboring countries are also reporting cases. The Ministry emphasized that a single confirmed case qualifies as an outbreak and urged the public to practice hygiene and seek medical advice if symptoms arise. Mpox is endemic in certain forested areas of East, Central, and West Africa, and the WHO has noted ongoing global outbreaks since May 2022. With a multi-country outbreak ongoing, the Ministry is committed to preventing further spread of the virus through collaboration with local authorities and health systems.