5 Suspected Dengue Fever Deaths Reported in Garissa

The Ministry of Health has announced that five suspected Dengue Fever deaths have been reported in Garissa County. 

In a statement on Friday, August 28, Health PS Mary Muthoni said four of the deaths have been reported in Garissa Township and one in Hagadera. 

“Five suspected deaths have been reported in Garissa County - four in Garissa Township and one in Hagadera,” read the statement in part. 

PS Muthoni also noted that a total of 1,678 Dengue Fever cases have been recorded in Garissa and Wajir Counties. 

“As at 26 August 2026, Garissa County had recorded 1,583 cumulative reported dengue cases, while Wajir County had recorded 95 laboratory-confirmed cases, bringing the total to 1,678 cases,” she stated. 

According to PS Muthoni, Dadaab has recorded the highest number of cases in Garissa County at 1,276, followed by Garissa Township with 251 cases and Fafi with 56 cases.

Meanwhile, in Wajir, Wajir East accounts for 85 of the 95 confirmed cases, representing 89.5 per cent of the county's total. 

The remaining Dengue Fever cases have been reported across Eldas, Wajir West, Wajir North, Wajir South, Tarbaj and Khorof Harar.

“Children and adolescents aged 6 months to 15 years account for 46 of Wajir's confirmed cases (48.4%),” PS Muthoni said. 

The Health PS also announced that the Ministry of Health is working with the county governments and partners to enhance surveillance, screening, investigation, and reporting of suspected cases.

Further, she said the suspected dengue samples are being referred to the national reference laboratory for confirmation, alongside priority investigation and classification of severe cases and suspected deaths.

PS Muthoni advised households and communities in Garissa and Wajir counties to regularly empty, scrub and tightly cover water-storage containers, dispose of items such as bottles, tins and tyres that can collect water, and clear blocked drains.

She also urged the locals to use mosquito repellents, wear long clothing and install window and door screens, particularly during the day.

Additionally, PS Muthoni urged the residents experiencing Dengue fever symptoms to seek medical attention. 

“Seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, breathing difficulty, extreme weakness, restlessness or rapid deterioration,” she added. 

Elsewhere, the Ministry of Health has activated a coordinated preparedness framework to protect communities from El Nino-related health risks. 

In a statement, the ministry said the plan provides a common framework for national and county governments, emergency agencies, humanitarian organizations and development partners to anticipate, prevent, detect and respond rapidly to flood-related health emergencies.

“Particular attention is being given to water- and food-borne diseases, including typhoid, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A and other diarrhoeal illnesses, which can increase when floodwater contaminates drinking-water sources and sanitation systems,” the Ministry said.