West Pokot Residents Advised To Remain Vigilant Due To The Mpox Outbreak

By Emmanuel Oyasi,

West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin, has asked the residents to be vigilant due to the outbreak of Mpox and continue adhering to the preventive measures to stay safe.

Kenya is among countries in the East African region that have confirmed Mpox cases, the first case having been reported four weeks ago after a truck driver was confirmed at the Taita Taveta border point.

The second case was recorded on Friday last week from another truck driver traveling from Uganda at the Malaba border.

In a statement to the newsroom, governor Kachapin also asked health workers to be swift in taking action if they find anyone showing symptoms of the disease.

“I ask our people to be vigilant at this time of the Mpox outbreak. Our country has already confirmed two cases and now it is time for everyone to be careful,” said Mr. Kachapin.

In addition, Kachapin said that his government is cooperating with the national government and various stakeholders in the health sector to ensure that all strategies are put in place to contain the spread of the disease in the country.

“We are working together with the national Government and all stakeholders in making sure that we contain the spread of Mpox,” he said.

The infection, which is caused by the monkeypox virus, spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and a painful rash.