Mpox: Fourth case confirmed in Kenya
Kenya has confirmed its fourth Mpox case after a truck driver travelling from Mombasa to Rwanda tested positive for the disease, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni explained that the driver who felt unwell to a point that he was not able to continue with his journey was tested while passing through Gilgil (Kikopey area).
“The Gilgil Sub-County Rapid Response Team (RRT) was immediately dispatched to assess the case. The patient was evacuated to Nakuru PGH Isolation Centre where he is admitted in stable condition,” PS Muthoni said. The confirmed cases have been in Taita Taveta, Busia, and Nairobi counties, with two more having been tested on Saturday August 31, pending confirmation.
So far, Ms Muthoni said, the government was following up on 30 contacts the positive cases made with Kenyans in Busia, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Nakuru.
A total of 16,533 travellers had been screened at points of entry in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of those screened to 599, 380.
Read: Scientists studying the new Mpox clade 1 strain
At the same time in Isiolo, there was panic after health officials said they had identified a suspected case of Mpox at Kulamwe market, and had traced customers of a barber who had shaved them in the last one week.
Isiolo Public Health Chief Officer Bisharo Hassan said they had dispatched a team to the rural market to collect samples and identify everyone the barber came into contact with after the suspected case was brought to their attention on the same day by Kulamawe area chief.
Ms Hassan further told Nation that the 27-year-old, who has been operating a barbershop at Kulamawe market, has not travelled out of his home area in the recent past.
Kulamawe is located about 79 kilometers from Isiolo town along the Isiolo-Mandera road which is currently being tarmacked.
“The patient is already in isolation as we try to establish those who were in contact with him. Despite the patient having not travelled, Kulamawe is a busy shopping centre and often receives visitors. All precautionary measures have been put in place as we await results,” said Ms Hassan, adding that the county government is preparing more isolation spaces in hospitals as contact tracing continues.
Deputy Director General at the Ministry of Health Dr Sultani Matendechero said that they await the patient’s test results.
Read: New mpox strain is changing fast; African scientists are ‘working blindly’ to respond
“There’s an effective mechanism to conduct surveillance, detection, confirmation and contact tracing in all parts of the country. There are many suspected cases, so it is difficult for us to engage in giving details for suspected cases, let us focus on confirmed cases,” said Dr Matendechero.
Garbatulla Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi disclosed that the suspected case was reported after the lesions on the barber’s skin became bigger despite treatment. Public health officials isolated him after as he continued taking medication
He added that local administration officers were assisting health workers in contact tracing as health experts handled the suspected case.
Meanwhile, Meru County health services chief officer Dr Joseph Wahome said major hospitals in the county have been notified to set aside isolation areas.
The announcement by the Principal Secretary on social media, however, raised questions on the protocols for making such announcements after it was previously indicated the role would be left to Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth, who issues technical briefs on behalf of the ministry.
Dr Amoth did not immediately respond to our enquiries.
llidigu@ke.nationmedia.com; dmuchui@ke.nationmedia.com
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.