Summary
- Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a zoonotic viral disease, underwent rapid global expansion in 2022, with different clades associated with varying disease severity.
- The study focused on assessing orthopoxvirus seropositivity among key populations in Nairobi, Kenya, to understand exposure to MPXV.
- Samples from sex workers were analyzed using ELISA and OPXV IgG Panel, indicating MPXV exposure among various age groups in the study population.
- The findings suggest potential MPXV exposure among key populations in Kenya, highlighting the need for expanded and sustained MPXV surveillance in the region.
- Enhanced surveillance is recommended for groups at elevated risk of MPXV infection in Kenya and surrounding regions to prevent further transmission and monitor outbreaks.
Monkeypox virus has caused a global epidemic in 2022, with different clades associated with varying disease severity. The outbreak has seen a shift towards human-to-human transmission, particularly through close, intimate contact. In Kenya, a retrospective study found evidence of orthopoxvirus exposure among key populations like sex workers and GBMSM, indicating potential monkeypox transmission.
Seropositivity to orthopoxviruses was observed in a significant percentage of individuals, particularly those aged 20-55 years, suggesting historic exposure to monkeypox. Despite limitations in differentiating between orthopoxviruses, the data highlight the need for expanded surveillance, especially in regions close to active monkeypox outbreaks. The findings suggest mpox introduction in Kenya may have occurred earlier than previously identified outbreaks in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasizing the importance of enhanced surveillance among high-risk groups.
The research underscores the urgency for ongoing surveillance of monkeypox in Africa, given the risk of further spread and the role of Nairobi as a commercial hub. Identification of potential exposures among key populations suggests the need for targeted monitoring and support for at-risk communities. The study also highlights the challenges of stigmatization and limited reporting of monkeypox in non-endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the importance of inclusive surveillance strategies.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into historic orthopoxvirus exposure among key populations in Kenya and underscores the need for sustained surveillance efforts. Recommendations include enhanced monitoring of high-risk groups and regions proximal to ongoing monkeypox outbreaks to prevent further transmission and ensure early detection of potential cases. The research contributes to the understanding of monkeypox dynamics and the importance of inclusive surveillance in combating emerging infectious diseases.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Epidemiology