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County battles spread of Mpox virus in residential areas, as cases rise to nine

Director Public Health Services, Elizabeth Kiptoo, updating the media on the Mpox virus at the Nakuru PGH on December 5, 2024.

Photo credit: LELETI JASSOR/MTAA WANGU
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By  LELETI JASSOR

Correspondent

Mtaa Wangu

Nakuru county government is facing challenges in controlling the spread of the MPOX virus, particularly in residential areas with shared amenities.

This was revealed by the Director of Public Health Services, Elizabeth Kiptoo, after the number of cases rose to nine within a few days.

While Ms Kiptoo acknowledges that self-quarantine is a viable solution to contain the virus, she notes that it has proven ineffective in areas with shared facilities.

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“We have met as a department, along with relevant stakeholders, to develop a sustainable solution for this issue. Residents have raised concerns about the gaps in self-quarantine, emphasizing the need for an adequate supply of necessities. Without these provisions, they are forced to leave their homes in search of food and other essentials, which increases the risk of transmission,” says Kiptoo.

She adds that the department is now exploring the provision of humanitarian assistance to individuals asked to self-isolate, hoping this will help contain the virus.

“Currently, the situation is beyond our control. However, once providing humanitarian assistance proves to be a viable solution, we will ask the individuals to adhere to the recommendations given so they can easily prevent further spread. This strategy worked with COVID and even early cases of MPOX,” says the Director.

When asked about the facilities set aside by the county for self-quarantine, the Director notes that these facilities are expensive and may not be available.

The county is currently leading the nation in cases, with seven out of the nine patients being female and two males.

“The cases are currently confined in Maai Mahiu,” Kiptoo confirms.

“We are sensitizing health facilities in the area to detect and report cases to us. Additionally, the community is being educated through Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on how to identify and protect themselves.”

Ms Kiptoo says the sensitization has also extended to businesses, including eateries and lodges, to teach the groups how to properly disinfect their linens using bleaching agents, ensuring they are not vehicles of transmission.