Dengue Outbreak Spreads in Kenya as 1,678 Cases and Five Suspected Deaths Reported
Kenya is responding to a dengue fever outbreak in Garissa and Wajir counties, where 1,678 cases and five suspected deaths have been recorded, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and mosquito-control measures.
Garissa accounts for the vast majority of reported infections, with 1,583 cases recorded as of August 26, while Wajir has confirmed 95 cases through laboratory testing. All five suspected deaths occurred in Garissa, with four reported in Garissa Township and one in Hagadera.
The outbreak is particularly concerning because dengue is mainly spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the daytime unlike the mosquitoes commonly associated with malaria. Health officials are therefore urging residents to take precautions throughout the day, including using repellents, wearing protective clothing, covering water containers and removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.
The Ministry of Health said it is working with county authorities, health facilities and other partners to contain transmission and investigate severe cases and suspected deaths. Residents experiencing high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, body or joint pains, vomiting or skin rashes have been advised to seek medical attention, while those showing signs such as bleeding, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulties or rapid deterioration require urgent care.
