The Ministry of Health is keeping a close watch on dengue fever in Garissa and Wajir counties after more than 1,600 cases were reported in the two counties.
As of August 26, 2026, Garissa had reported 1,583 cumulative dengue cases, while Wajir had recorded 95 laboratory-confirmed cases. This brings the total number of reported cases to 1,678.
Garissa has also reported five suspected deaths linked to the outbreak. Four of the deaths were reported in Garissa Township and one in Hagadera.
Most of the cases in Garissa have been recorded in Dadaab, which accounts for 1,276 cases. Garissa Township has reported 251 cases, while Fafi has recorded 56.
In Wajir, most of the confirmed cases have been reported in Wajir East. The area accounts for 85 cases, representing 89.5 per cent of the county’s confirmed cases.
The other 10 cases have been reported across Eldas, Wajir West, Wajir North, Wajir South, Tarbaj and Khorof Harar.
Children and adolescents are also among those affected. Of the confirmed cases in Wajir, 46 involve children and young people aged between six months and 15 years, accounting for 48.4 per cent.
Health teams step up response
The Ministry of Health, together with the two county governments and its partners, has stepped up measures to contain the disease.
The Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has been fully activated, while coordination meetings continue at county and sub-county levels.
Health facilities in the affected areas have also been placed on high alert. Teams are carrying out surveillance and active screening, with suspected cases being investigated and reported promptly.
Samples from suspected dengue patients are being sent to the national reference laboratory for confirmation. Health officials are also prioritising the investigation and classification of severe cases and suspected deaths.
These facilities were required to improve their case management and infection prevention and control practices.
The Ministry is also collaborating with community health workers in raising public awareness on the measures individuals can undertake to protect themselves as well as eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Ministry issues warning on mosquito breeding
Dengue is mainly spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which can bite during the day. The mosquitoes often breed in small collections of stagnant water.
The Ministry is asking households and institutions to regularly empty, scrub and cover water-storage containers.
Residents have also been advised to get rid of bottles, tins, old tyres and other items that can hold water, while keeping drains clear.
However, there is a reduction of the risk of mosquito bites through the application of repellents, the use of screens on the doors and windows, and wearing long clothes. Children need additional protection during daytime.
The Ministry has urged people experiencing symptoms such as fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting or a rash to seek medical attention early.
Those experiencing severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing, extreme weakness, restlessness or a rapid worsening of their condition should seek urgent medical care.
For fever, the Ministry advises the use of paracetamol as directed by a health professional. It has also advised people with suspected dengue to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen because they may increase the risk of bleeding.
Continuing surveillance
The Ministry announced that no new cases have been registered within the latest update from the counties. Health authorities are continuing surveillance to ascertain whether the transmission of infection has stopped.
The government declared that it will continue collaborating with county governments, health facilities, community health teams, and other stakeholders for the purpose of conducting case detection and reporting, laboratory diagnosis, mosquito management, and information dissemination.
For the inhabitants of the affected regions, health experts recommend paying special attention.
