Home National News No Mpox in Kitui: Suspected Case Tests Negative, Confirms CO Lynn Kitwan

No Mpox in Kitui: Suspected Case Tests Negative, Confirms CO Lynn Kitwan

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A suspected case of Mpox reported in Kitui County has tested negative, providing much-needed relief to residents and health officials. The results came from the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), bringing reassurance as the county intensifies its preparedness and response measures against the disease.

“We have set up an isolation ward at Kitui County Referral Hospital (KCRH) and Mwingi Level IV to manage any suspected cases,” said Ms. Lynn Kitwan, Chief Officer of Public Health.The suspected case was reported at Mwingi Level IV, where Mpox indicators raised concerns among healthcare workers.

“We have been waiting for the results from NPHL, and the results are negative. So, it was only a suspected case. No Mpox in Kitui,” Ms. Kitwan confirmed.

This development comes as a significant relief, especially with the growing global concerns surrounding the Mpox virus.

Testing of suspected cases is being conducted at the Ministry of Health’s NPHL in collaboration with partner institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). Ms. Kitwan emphasized the county’s commitment to ensuring prompt testing and management of any potential cases.

“We wish to reassure the public that our healthcare facilities are fully prepared to  manage this disease samples are collected and sent to NPHL for diagnosis, while patient management is conducted at designated healthcare facilities and there is no need to panic,” she added.

Preventing the spread of Mpox relies heavily on good hygiene practices, particularly proper hand washing with soap and water. Ms. Kitwan emphasized the importance of regular hand hygiene as a simple yet highly effective measure to prevent infection.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus, family Poxviridae.

The disease has two distinct clades, Clade I and Clade II, and can manifest through symptoms such as rash, fever, and body aches. Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact or exposure to infected animals or materials, but most individuals recover within 2-4 weeks with proper care.

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