The first ever cases of the viral Chikungunya fever have been reported in Lamu County after four people tested positive.
Acting Chief Officer in the Department of Health David Mulewa confirmed the new cases saying that four people from Tchundwa village tested positive for the virus.
Speaking on Wednesday in Lamu, Mr Mulewa said the health department had sent blood samples to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) early this month for analysis.
Mr Mulewa said the residents had shown similar symptoms of muscle pains, headache, joint pain and high fever and samples had been taken to Kemri for further analysis and investigations.
He said they sent more than 10 blood samples but only four tested positive for the viral disease that is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes.
“The samples we sent to KEMRI were from more than ten individuals but only four tested positive for the virus. We are however doing the much we can to ensure the situation doesn’t escalate,” Mr Mulewa said as quoted by Baraka FM.
The acting chief officer has however said that the health department has put up measures to contain the disease.
He said they have launched massive awareness campaigns across the county to educate the residents on how to avoid contracting the virus and how to minimize infections for those who live in places prone to mosquitoes.
County Health Executive Raphael Munyua has said that they will distribute mosquito nets and urged those who won’t receive the nets to visit the nearest health facility to be given one.
He also appealed to residents to clear bushes close to their areas of residence and to treat and remove stagnant water.
“The county and the health department have already embarked on immediate vector control measures. We will spray insecticides in all villages in the county. We will also distribute mosquito nets to all residents,” said Mr Munyua.