Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has assured Kenyans that investigations into the mysterious illness reported in Mombasa, linked to four deaths, are ongoing.
Muthoni said surveillance and rapid response teams deployed on the ground are analysing samples collected from the victims.
Speaking during a radio interview Wednesday, Muthoni said laboratory testing is underway to determine the exact cause and urged the residents and Kenyans at large to stay calm.
“The public is urged to remain calm as the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide timely updates,” she said.
The mysterious deaths of four were reported in Migadini’s Matangini village.
The bodies, all of adult men and women aged between 55 and 91 years, were discovered in their homes between July 9 and 14.
Mombasa County Department of Health stated that investigations have so far not revealed any evidence of an infectious disease.
The PS also addressed national concerns over the Mpox virus, confirming that it remains a top priority.
“We have heightened surveillance at all ports of entry, and rapid response mechanisms are firmly in place to manage any reported cases and prevent transmission,” she stated.
Muthoni also used the opportunity to update the nation on the recent public health successes.
She highlighted the achievements of the national vaccination campaign, reporting that over 16.1 million children received the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV), achieving 84 per cent coverage.
She added that another 5.18 million children were vaccinated against Measles-Rubella, hitting 81 per cent of the national target.
The show also provided a platform to update the public on the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
According to the PS, the Social Health Authority (SHA) is leading vital reforms to make healthcare more equitable and accessible.
Digitisation of services, including verification of UHC workers across the country, she said, is being scaled up to boost transparency, efficiency, and community-level service delivery.
