Kenya has tightened entry controls into the country due to monkeypox.

Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport has stepped up surveillance at checkpoints amid the spread of monkeypox in the country.

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There are currently four confirmed cases of monkeypox in Kenya.

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“Supervision has been stepped up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to curb the spread of monkeypox amid concerns about a surge in cases at border points,” a local radio report said.

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According to the Ministry of Health, cited by the radio station, all entry points into the country have been staffed and equipped to screen for any symptoms that foreigners or Kenyans may exhibit upon entry into the country.

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Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that can also be transmitted between people. It is usually a mild illness and most people recover within a few weeks, but some may experience complications. Initial symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, chills and exhaustion. A rash may develop, often starting on the face and then spreading to other parts of the body. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to use the new term mpox instead of monkeypox to refer to monkeypox due to racist and discriminatory remarks.