Chikungunya outbreak in Mombasa County: 25 confirmed cases

At least 25 people in Mombasa County have tested positive for chikungunya, raising concerns among health officials due to the ongoing rainy season. Mombasa County Acting Director of Public Health and Disease Prevention, Dr Saumu Wayuwa, confirmed the cases after receiving analysis results from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri). No fatalities have been reported so far. The most affected sub-counties are Mvita, Nyali, Likoni, and Kisauni. As part of their response to the outbreak, health authorities have activated rapid response teams in all sub-counties. Health facilities have also been put on high alert, with a special surveillance dashboard now in use to monitor and track cases in real-time. Dr Wayuwa also said they have started targeted fumigation and fogging to contain the outbreak and prevent the spread of other mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria. She urged residents to maintain high standards of hygiene, exercise extra caution, and wear long-sleeved clothes during the day.
Dr Wayuwa also warned against the use of unverified herbal remedies to treat chikungunya, dengue, and malaria. These products can be toxic, and there is no evidence they are effective against mosquito-borne diseases.