High alert over new Mpox case in Kiambu as Africa grapples with outbreak
Kiambu County is on high alert following the identification of a suspected mpox case. The patient, a 21-year-old woman, was referred from a private hospital in Murang’a to Thika Level Five Hospital. Swab samples have been collected and are currently undergoing analysis at the National Public Health Laboratories to confirm the diagnosis.
Kiambu Health CEC Elias Maina has assured that the county’s Department of Health Services has taken all necessary precautions to protect residents. The patient has had contact with individuals from Uganda, Tanzania, Bungoma, Sondu Miriu, and Nandi Hills.
This case emerges amid a continent-wide health crisis, with the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency. Mpox is highly contagious, spreading through close contact, including sexual activity, skin-to-skin contact, and respiratory droplets. It is characterized by flu-like symptoms and skin lesions.
Since January, Africa has reported over 13,700 mpox cases, resulting in 1,500 deaths and 40,000 infections. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the outbreak’s epicenter, with at least 450 fatalities. The disease has also impacted neighboring countries such as Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized, “We are intensifying efforts to control mpox and are working closely with governments and communities to manage the outbreak through coordinated actions.”
The outbreak is complicated by new, more virulent strains of the virus. Two variants, Clade 1a and 1b, are prevalent in central Africa, with a combined case fatality rate of approximately three percent, according to Africa CDC data.
“Mpox represents a complex outbreak with the potential for widespread impact. A systematic approach is crucial.” noted Prof. Piero Olliaro from Oxford University, who is studying mpox in the Central African Republic.
The outbreak is further exacerbated by socio-political challenges in affected regions. In the eastern DRC, where the Clade 1b variant is spreading, violent conflicts contribute to forced migration and increased virus transmission. Displacement into refugee camps, including in Kenya, aggravates the spread of mpox and other zoonotic diseases.
Experts advises heightened vigilance for symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and skin lesions. He recommends avoiding contaminated materials, thoroughly cooking game meat, washing hands, and using condoms. Enhanced screening for individuals from high-risk neighboring countries is also advised.
Africa continues to face significant hurdles in securing vaccines and treatments. The experience of inadequate vaccine supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic is being repeated with mpox. Bavarian Nordic, the manufacturer of the JYNNEOS vaccine recommended for mpox, has announced it will not sell or manufacture the vaccine directly for African countries. Instead, vaccines will be provided through international donations.
The US has pledged 50,000 doses, and the European Union has offered 175,000 doses. However, these quantities fall short of the required amounts to effectively combat the outbreak.
