Five suspected deaths have been reported in Garissa as dengue fever cases in Garissa and neighbouring Wajir rise to 1,678, prompting the Ministry of Health to intensify surveillance, testing and mosquito-control measures.

According to Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni, four of the suspected deaths were reported in Garissa Township, while one occurred in Hagadera. The Ministry said the deaths and severe cases are still under investigation.

Garissa has recorded 1,583 cumulative dengue cases, making it the most affected of the two counties. Dadaab has the highest number of cases at 1,276, followed by Garissa Township with 251 and Fafi with 56.

Neighbouring Wajir has reported 95 laboratory-confirmed cases, with Wajir East accounting for 85 cases, or 89.5 per cent of the county’s confirmed infections.

Children and adolescents aged between six months and 15 years account for 46 cases in Wajir, representing nearly half of the county’s confirmed infections.

The increase in cases and suspected deaths has prompted the Ministry to activate the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and strengthen surveillance and screening in affected areas.

Health facilities have been placed on high alert, while suspected cases are being referred to the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) for confirmation. The Ministry said investigations into the suspected deaths are ongoing.

The government is also working with county health departments and partners to strengthen case management, infection prevention and control, community engagement and mosquito-control activities.

“The Ministry will continue working with county governments, health facilities, community health teams, and partners to maintain clinical readiness, laboratory confirmation, vector control, and timely public information,” Muthoni said.

Dengue fever is mainly spread through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which commonly bite during the day. The mosquitoes can breed in small collections of stagnant water around homes and communities.

The Ministry is urging households to empty and scrub water containers at least once a week and dispose of items that can collect water.

Residents are also advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellents, wearing long clothing and using window screens where possible.

People in affected areas should seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting or a rash.

Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing or extreme weakness are warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

For people with suspected dengue, the ministry advises using paracetamol for fever as directed by a health professional. Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided because they may increase the risk of bleeding.

The Ministry said sustained surveillance remains necessary before transmission can be confirmed to have stopped, although no new cases had been reported in the latest county updates.

As health teams continue investigating the five suspected deaths and monitoring the outbreak, residents are being urged to remain vigilant, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek medical care early when symptoms develop.