Nakuru County Intensifies Mpox Surveillance as Cases Rise to 21

 

 By Juliet Jerotich 

 Nakuru County has stepped up its surveillance and response measures following a surge in Mpox cases, with 21 infections recorded since the first case was reported on August 31 last year. The initial patient, a 37-year-old truck driver from Rwanda, marked the start of the county's ongoing battle against the viral disease.

County health officials have now activated the Disease Surveillance and Response Unit (DSRU), working alongside the national Ministry of Health to track contacts, heighten surveillance, and train frontline workers. According to Gerald Maina, Head of Promotive and Preventive Health Services, Nakuru has become the third most affected county nationwide, after Mombasa and Busia. Only one active case remains, with the rest having fully recovered.

To strengthen its response, Nakuru County has partnered with the Centre for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB) to train healthcare workers on Mpox detection, investigation, and management. Mr Maina highlighted the importance of preparedness along key transport routes due to rising cases in nearby regions.

“The rise in Mpox cases in neighboring counties has pushed us to scale up training, especially along the northern transport corridor,” he said.

Sub-counties along this route are now key focus areas, with awareness campaigns targeting truck drivers and transit communities. These campaigns are being run in collaboration with partners such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), Amref Health Africa, and USAID’s Tujenge Jamii programme.

Health authorities have identified eight high-risk zones along the corridor, enhancing monitoring through Indicator-Based Surveillance (IBS) and Event-Based Surveillance (EBS). Community Health Promoters and frontline healthcare workers have received specialized training to support these initiatives.

The county government has also prepared isolation facilities, including Nakuru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Naivasha Hospital, and Gilgil Hospital, offering a combined capacity of 192 beds to manage potential outbreaks.

Mpox, declared a global health emergency by the WHO in 2022, is a viral disease spread through close contact with infected persons, contaminated objects, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.

Mr Maina called on residents to take preventive measures seriously, including isolating infected individuals, using surgical masks and gloves when caring for patients, regular handwashing, and surface disinfection. He further encouraged safe food practices, such as thorough cooking of meat.

Vaccination efforts remain targeted. According to Africa CDC, the JYNNEOS vaccine is recommended, particularly for healthcare workers, close contacts of confirmed cases, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Mass vaccination is not currently advised, though post-exposure prophylaxis and targeted vaccination remain key strategies.

Health officials say they remain on high alert to prevent further spread of the virus across Nakuru County.