By Hilda Atika
Three cases of Mpox have been confirmed in Chekalini Ward, Lugari Sub-county, as the County Government of Kakamega appeals to the public to remain calm.
Speaking during a press briefing, Governor FCPA Fernandes Barasa stated that the three victims include a gentleman who is a 50-year-old truck driver, his spouse, who also tested positive, and a lady who had travelled from Nairobi via Narok.
The governor disclosed that, for public awareness, the disease is contagious and its symptoms include fever, rashes, and sore throat. He added that the victims are currently in isolation in Chekalini, where an isolation unit has been set up, and that family members of the affected individuals have also been isolated.
“There will be isolation for the next 21 days. The County Government will be taking care of their well-being as they are not supposed to move around. That is why we have decided to keep them indoors under home-based care,” the governor remarked.
Mitigation measures have been implemented to deal with Mpox, beginning with the provision of treatment and support to the affected families and victims receiving care at Lumakanda Hospital.
Governor Barasa’s administration has deployed rapid response teams to enhance active case finding and contact tracing, given the contagious nature of the disease.
Public health professionals have been deployed to carry out robust health education, and a multi-agency team has been established to issue updates through the County Health Emergency and Operations Centre.
The Department of Health has scaled up surveillance and contact tracing across the county and has also expanded the isolation capacity at Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Lumakanda Sub-county Hospital, and the Chekalini Isolation Centre.
He advised members of the public to visit the nearest health centres and clinics for check-ups to prevent further spread of the disease.
“The safety of Kakamega residents remains a top priority. I assure residents of Lugari and the entire county that my administration is fully committed to containing the Mpox disease, as it is treatable,” Barasa affirmed.
