Governor Hassan Joho has launched
five fogging machines to get rid of mosquitoes following an outbreak of the chikungunya virus.
A hundred and twenty cases have been reported in Mombasa so far while 32 have been confirmed.
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The equipment worth about Sh15 million will cater for all the six sub-counties, starting with the most affected which include Changamwe and Mvita.
Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi told the Governor that his constituency was most affected.
The health department has asked residents to seek medical attention for high fevers and avoid herbal regimens as this might make matters worse.
Some had been using the extract from pawpaw leaves but the county has warned that taking large quantities of this could result in kidney problems.
Addressing journalists during the launch at the health department on Monday, Joho said the machines will eventually rid sub-counties of the mosquitoes and end the spread of the diseases.
“Vector control will effectively deal with chikungunya,” he said.
“We hope this 10-day operation will fully eradicate chikungunya and dengue fever if possible, and significantly reduce the number of malaria cases."
Joho also asked the people to use other preventive measures at home,
help clean the county and get rid of breeding areas.
“We have put in place measures to ensure good sanitation."
