Mombasa, Kenya - Kenya is currently navigating its initial outbreak of mpox, a viral disease previously known as monkeypox. This report details the current situation, public health response, and what individuals need too know.
Mpox is a viral infection historically endemic to parts of West and Central Africa. It is caused by the mpox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus family - the same family as the variola virus (which causes smallpox). While typically less severe than smallpox, mpox can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash.
the rash progresses through distinct stages: macules (flat spots), papules (raised bumps), vesicles (fluid-filled blisters), and pustules (pus-filled blisters). These lesions can appear on any part of the body, including the face, hands, feet, and genitals.