A Chikungunya outbreak has emerged in Mombasa County, with health officials confirming at least 25 positive cases following laboratory analysis. The resurgence of this mosquito-borne virus coincides with ongoing rainy weather, which has created widespread breeding grounds for mosquitoes and worsened the situation.
Out of 50 suspected cases, 45 samples were tested, revealing 25 confirmed cases of Chikungunya and one case of dengue fever. The most affected areas are the sub-counties of Mvita, Kisauni, Nyali, and Likoni. In response, county officials have activated emergency response teams and launched fumigation exercises in the worst-hit locations. Residents are urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, cover water storage containers, and use mosquito nets to prevent further transmission.
Chikungunya presents symptoms including severe joint pain and swelling, often accompanied by a rash. The joint pain can be particularly intense, sometimes described as “bone-breaking,” and may persist for weeks or even months after the initial fever subsides. Other symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, joint swelling, and rash. Unlike dengue or the flu, the persistent joint pain is a distinguishing feature of Chikungunya.
This outbreak is not the first time the virus has been recorded in Kenya. Previous outbreaks occurred in May 2016 in Mandera East, where several cases were confirmed, and again in late 2017 and early 2018 across all six sub-counties of Mombasa. Historical data indicates that the virus continues to circulate in coastal Kenya, emphasizing the need to include Chikungunya in the diagnosis of febrile illnesses, especially in children.
The virus is primarily transmitted by two species of mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are aggressive daytime biters common in urban areas. Climate change is altering mosquito breeding patterns, contributing to increased transmission even in areas previously considered low risk. Poor drainage, urban sprawl, and rising temperatures have facilitated the spread of these mosquitoes, making prevention efforts more challenging.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Chikungunya. Supportive care is the mainstay of management, focusing on rest, hydration, and the use of paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin are generally avoided during the acute phase, especially if dengue has not been ruled out, due to the risk of bleeding.
The virus is usually self-limiting, but it can severely affect vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Urban hospitals in Kenya are equipped to manage such cases, but rural areas still face diagnostic and resource constraints during outbreaks.
Prevention remains the best strategy to combat the spread of Chikungunya. While mosquito nets are effective for malaria prevention, they offer limited protection against Aedes mosquitoes because these insects bite primarily during the day. Therefore, additional measures such as using insect repellents, installing window and door screens, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed are critical.
Public awareness campaigns and community cleanup efforts are essential to reduce mosquito populations. Many people are aware of malaria risks but lack understanding of Chikungunya’s threat, highlighting the need for improved health messaging that targets daytime mosquito biting behavior. Robust waste management and proper drainage can also reduce breeding grounds.
Health experts urge communities to recognize early signs of infection, which typically start suddenly with fever, rash, muscle pain, headache, and severe joint pain in the hands, wrists, ankles, or feet. Early detection and timely medical attention can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Global health organizations are currently reviewing vaccine trial data for future recommendations, but in the meantime, they advise infected individuals to avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness to prevent further transmission.
As the rainy season continues, the risk of Chikungunya remains high in Mombasa and other vulnerable coastal regions. Coordinated efforts at the local, national, and global levels are urgently needed to contain the outbreak and protect communities from this debilitating virus.
