By Faith Cherop
Health officials in Mombasa County have confirmed an outbreak of Chikungunya virus, with 25 cases reported so far. The mosquito-borne disease, caused by the Chikungunya virus, is raising concerns across the coastal region as authorities ramp up response efforts.
Chikungunya, which was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, has spread widely across Africa and parts of Asia. It is primarily transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquito, known to bite during daylight hours. According to global health data, an estimated 18.4 million people were infected by the virus between 2011 and 2020, with outbreaks recorded in more than 110 countries.
Infected individuals typically experience symptoms within the first week of infection. These include muscle and joint pain, headaches, fatigue, and rashes. Pain often localizes in the abdomen, joints, back of the eyes, and muscles.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, Mombasa health officials have initiated a series of urgent public health measures. These include intensified mosquito control programs, alert notifications to health facilities, and a wide-reaching community awareness campaign aimed at educating residents on how to prevent mosquito bites and identify early symptoms.
The Ministry of Health has also taken further steps by implementing emergency protocols, drafting a comprehensive outbreak response plan, and receiving support from the World Health Organization (WHO). An emergency response team has been deployed to monitor the situation on the ground.
Residents are urged to take precautionary measures, such as eliminating stagnant water around homes, using insect repellents, and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear.
As the situation develops, authorities continue to emphasize vigilance and community cooperation to curb the spread of the virus.
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