Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, has recently become a household name due to the ongoing outbreak, not only in the country but also globally.
Principal Secretary (PS) of Public Health, Mary Muthoni Muriuki, in an article in one of the dailies, noted that the disease originated from the same family of viruses as smallpox and was first identified in 1958 among laboratory monkeys, giving it its initial name.
She noted that the disease, which has been historically confined to remote parts of West Africa, with the first human case of Mpox being identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire), has now become a public concern.
Further, the virus spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal. Human-to-human transmission mainly occurs via respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or lesions, and indirectly through contaminated items like clothing or bedding.
The incubation period for Mpox typically ranges from 5 to 21 days. The disease usually starts with a fever, and then a characteristic rash appears on the face and may spread to other areas of the body. This rash can evolve into pustules and crusts. Additional symptoms include headache, backache, muscle pain, fatigue and chills.
In order to prevent the virus, we have been asked to avoid close contact with infected individuals, practice good hygiene and ensure that food, especially meat, is thoroughly cooked. Additionally, we are to avoid sharing clothing, bedding or other personal items, particularly with those who are infected.
The PS also emphasized the importance of providing healthcare workers with up-to-date knowledge and resources to effectively manage and prevent Mpox.
ALSO READ:
Additionally, she advocated for the enhancing of healthcare infrastructure to improve detection and response to outbreaks.
She also emphasized the importance of public healthcare workers participating in community outreach programmes to educate the public about Mpox.
Furthermore, Muthoni encouraged utilizing social media platforms to reach a wider audience and suggested providing information in local languages to ensure it is accessible to all segments of the population.
The PS noted that tackling the root causes of Mpox requires us to examine our interactions with wildlife and the environment, emphasizing the need to minimize contact between humans and wildlife, enhance sanitation practices and promote food safety.
By Frank Mugwe
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
