State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards
As we navigate an era increasingly defined by global health challenges, the emergence of Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive public awareness and proactive measures.
Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. Historically confined to remote parts of Central and West Africa, including our neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mpox has now become a concern of global proportions.
Recent outbreaks outside endemic regions underscore the disease's potential to spread and the pressing need for a robust public health response. Unfortunately, public awareness in Kenya remains alarmingly low.
Understanding Mpox is the first step towards mitigating its impact. The virus is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and a distinctive rash that progresses to pustules and crusts.
The disease typically begins with fever, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. The lesions eventually scab over and fall off.
The incubation period for Mpox is usually seven to 14 days but can range from five to 21 days. The most vulnerable groups include young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
Mpox spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with body fluids or lesion material, as well as indirect contact with lesion material, such as through contaminated clothing or bedding.
We must move away from the current situation where diseases are often diagnosed late, leading to high mortality rates for conditions that could be treated effectively if caught early.
The Covid-19 pandemic afforded us invaluable lessons, including the need for the establishment of testing facilities and the mobilisation of resources to respond swiftly to health emergencies.
Public health campaigns during the Covid-19 pandemic showcased the power of coordinated information dissemination in educating and protecting the public.
Raising awareness about Mpox is a collective responsibility. Individuals must take proactive steps to educate themselves.
The writer is Principal Secretary Public Health and Professional Standards