DFA tells Filipinos in Kenya to take caution amid Mpox outbreak

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

According to the WHO, Mpox can affect anyone and spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, contaminated objects, or respiratory droplets. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – Filipinos in Kenya are advised to take caution as the monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak spreads to more African countries.

In an advisory on Friday, the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi urged the Filipino community to stay informed and follow preventive guidelines rigorously.

“Avoid physical contact with individuals displaying symptoms or touching their personal belongings, and practice diligent handwashing with soap and clean water. Let us adhere to the prescribed public health advisories and response measures to prevent local and international spread of the disease,” it said.

The DFA said at least 119 Filipinos are living and working in Kenya to date.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Aug. 14 amid the emergence of a new virus strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its rapid spread, including to neighboring countries.

In 2024, the WHO said, more than 2,100 laboratory-confirmed cases and 13 deaths have been reported from 12 countries (Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda) compared with 1,145 confirmed cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023 reported from 11 countries.

According to the WHO, Mpox can affect anyone and spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, contaminated objects, or respiratory droplets.