Alarm over chikungunya outbreak

A cross-border public health approach is being considered to stem further spread of chikungunya disease in Mandera County. The outbreak has so far affected more than 500 residents.

Health Principal Secretary Nicholas Muraguri said it was prudent to involve Somalia and Ethiopia to curb further spread of the mosquito-borne disease. “Somalia recently experienced chikungunya outbreak especially in areas bordering Kenya. It is thus important to coordinate our efforts,” says Dr Muraguri, adding that prompt response is critical because Mandera is currently experiencing a twin outbreak of cholera and chikungunya.