An outbreak of Chikungunya has been declared in Mombasa County, prompting health officials to raise the alarm over the growing threat posed by mosquito-borne illnesses in Kenya. The declaration comes after laboratory testing confirmed 25 out of 45 samples taken from patients in the county tested positive for the virus. Additionally, one case of Dengue Fever was also detected during the testing process.
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, primarily the female Aedes species. This mosquito is notorious for being active during daylight hours, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The infection causes sudden onset of fever, accompanied by severe joint, muscle, and body pain. In many cases, the pain can be so intense that it affects the posture of patients, forcing them to bend or stoop, a condition that inspired the name “Chikungunya,” derived from the Makonde word meaning “to become contorted.”
Health experts are raising concerns about the role of climate change in the rising incidence of mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya. Increasing global temperatures, coupled with heavy rainfall, are creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The combination of stagnant water and warm weather facilitates mosquito survival and enhances their ability to transmit viruses.
One particularly troubling aspect of the Chikungunya virus is the biology of the Aedes mosquito. The female mosquito lays eggs that can survive in dry conditions for extended periods. When water becomes available such as after rain the eggs hatch, often producing mosquitoes already carrying the virus. This means that mosquito populations can expand rapidly when environmental conditions become favorable, contributing to the sudden emergence of outbreaks.
The widespread presence of the Aedes mosquito across the country increases the potential for the virus to spread beyond Mombasa. Human movement between counties could facilitate the transmission of the virus from endemic regions such as Mombasa and Mandera to non-endemic areas, compounding the public health risk.
Public health officials are now urging county governments to heighten disease surveillance and preparedness. Early detection and rapid response will be essential in preventing the further spread of the virus. This includes enhancing public awareness about how the disease spreads, symptoms to watch for, and preventive measures that can be taken to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Communities are encouraged to eliminate standing water around their homes, use mosquito nets and repellents, and wear clothing that covers the skin during peak mosquito activity hours. Public health campaigns are also needed to educate people on the importance of seeking medical attention when symptoms arise, particularly during the rainy seasons when the mosquito population surges.
The current outbreak serves as a warning about the vulnerability of urban and coastal areas to vector-borne diseases in the face of climate variability. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the adaptability of mosquito species, it is crucial for both national and local health authorities to invest in long-term strategies aimed at controlling mosquito populations and mitigating future outbreaks.
The declaration of the Chikungunya outbreak in Mombasa underscores the need for coordinated efforts across all levels of government, as well as the active involvement of communities, in addressing the evolving threat of mosquito-borne diseases.
