Mombasa County Government has confirmed the outbreak of the Chikungunya virus across all six sub-counties.

Health officials say that 50 suspected samples were collected and sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute(KEMRI), 45 samples were tested and 25 samples tested positive for Chikungunya, and one case turned positive for dengue fever.

The samples and testing were effected following complaints by at least 15 residents of the Bamburi Mwisho area who reported unexplained illness in recent days.

The officials say that the virus is spread by a mosquito known as Aedes, which has resurfaced with the ongoing rains, which have created widespread breeding grounds.

Chikungunya, just like malaria, is a mosquito-borne disease spread by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It is stated that the mosquitoes bite during the day. Its symptoms include severe joint pain in various parts of the body, persistent aches, dizziness, chills, fatigue, and vomiting. Patients suffer from prolonged pain and intense discomfort.

Health officials in Mombasa are urging residents to keep their surroundings clean by draining stagnant water, sleeping under treated mosquito nets, and observing general hygiene to prevent the further spread.

The county continues to roll out measures to control the outbreak. County officials have also activated emergency response teams and launched fumigation exercises in affected neighborhoods.