Two patients were diagnosed with M-pox at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital on November 19 and 24, respectivelyAccording to a statement issued by the county government through the department of health, one of the patients had invigilated the KCSE examsThe county government issued an advisory to residents, providing guidelines on how to prevent themselves from contracting M-poxThe Homa Bay county health department has confirmed the first two cases of mpox infections after two individuals, 41 and 44, were discovered to be suffering from M-pox at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital on November 19 and 24, respectively.
Two patients were discovered to be suffering from Mpox at the Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital. Photo: Florence Owiti.
Source: OriginalIn a statement by the county government through the Department of Health, the cases were confirmed by the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL).
Among the two patients, one had participated in invigilating the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams at Okok Secondary School.
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“The first confirmed case is a 41-year-old male from Kisii who developed symptoms while visiting Shauri Yako in Homa Bay. The second case is a 44-year-old male from Koduogo in Ndhiwa Sub-County who had been invigilating KCSE examinations at Okok Secondary School,” read the statement.Members of the public, partners and the media were notified that an emergency response team has been formed by the Department of Health to help identify, examine, and trace any contact with the infected persons to help fish out anyone who might be at risk.
Mpox is a contagious viral disease caused by the Mpox virus, which is related to smallpox.
It spreads through direct contact with skin or mucosal lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets during close interaction, and contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing.
Typical symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash.
Are Homa Bay Mpox patients stable?The statement went further to note that both patients were clinically stable and were currently isolated and monitored at Ward 6B, Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“The county government has activated a full emergency response, including rapid case finding, investigation, and contact tracing. A multi-sectoral coordination team is overseeing the response. Health facilities have enhanced screening, triage, and infection prevention measures. Community Health Promoters are conducting household surveillance and health education. Isolation and treatment units are operational at HBCTRH with plans to extend to other isolation facilities as needed,” the statement read in part.”The county is also working closely with the Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, CDC, MSF, Red Cross, and other implementing partners for technical support and strengthened surveillance,” the statement continued.How to avoid M-poxThe county government advised members of the public to avoid close contact with anyone who has unexplained rashes, maintain regular hand hygiene, and avoid sharing bedding or clothing with symptomatic individuals.
Residents were also urged to seek prompt medical attention for symptoms such as rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
They were also urged to immediately report any unusual illness patterns in schools, markets, churches, workplaces, or communities.
According to Kevin Osuri, the chief officer for Public Health in Homa Bay County, there were only a few measures to prevent further infections.
“We only do isolation and quarantine for now, with symptomatic treatment to prevent further infections as there is no specific treatment for mpox at the moment,” Osuri said.An emergency line 0746432701 was availed for anyone to call in case of a report or inquiry.
Migori teacher supervising exams found deadIn a previous incident, a Migori teacher who had supervised KCSE exams was found dead in River Kuja days after going missing.
Police officers are at a past scene (photo for illustration). The incident happened in Rongo. Photo: NPS.
Source: Getty ImagesThe body of Douglas Otiko was discovered on Friday, November 14.
Police had issued a statement saying that Otiko had drowned to death, a claim that was disputed by the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT).
Additional reporting by Florence Owiti
Source: TUKO.co.ke
