Kenya Records First Mpox Death

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported that one person has succumbed to Mpox, making this the first death recorded in Kenya related to the disease.

Speaking on Monday, October 14 Health Director General Patrick Amoth stated that the patient succumbed since he was also battling existing health complications.

“Eight of those have recovered and have gone home, four are still admitted in the hospital,” said Dr Amoth.

This is as the total case tally of the deadly virus in Kenya rose to 13. The cases were detected from 236 samples that were tested in laboratories and the cases were confirmed in 10 counties.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Mpox virus spreads from person to person through close contact, which includes skin-to-skin (such as touching or sex) and mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-skin contact (such as kissing) and can also include being face-to-face with someone who has it (such as talking or breathing close to another), which can generate infectious respiratory particles.

This comes as the country received Mpox testing kits and medicines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) from the World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, and other health partners. These supplies will strengthen the country’s efforts to combat these diseases.

During the handover, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, acknowledged the significance of these contributions in addressing health challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

She highlighted the importance of mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns in controlling NTDs, including lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted helminths, and schistosomiasis, particularly in high-burden regions.

Dr Barasa expressed appreciation for the support from WHO and partners in ensuring essential medicines reach those most in need, with the upcoming MDA campaign targeting areas with the highest disease burden.

In addition, she welcomed USAID’s donation of Mpox testing kits, which will improve the country’s ability to detect and respond to cases effectively.

WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, confirmed the donation of 15,215,000 tablets of NTD medicines valued at USD 1.6 million, intended for this month’s MDA.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s goal of eliminating NTDs, including schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases, by 2030.

Health CS Deborah Barasa speaking during a press briefing on October 14, 2024. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH