Residents of Migadini in Changamwe, Mombasa County, are living in fear after a mysterious disease claimed four lives under unclear circumstances.
The four victims died from an illness that is yet to be identified. The disease is reported to leave victims’ bodies swollen and covered in pus-filled wounds.
The deceased include a 91-year-old woman who died at home on July 9, and three men aged 55, 57, and 69 whose bodies were discovered in varying stages of decomposition on July 14.
Health officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of death, with samples sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for testing.
According to a statement released by the Mombasa County Department of Health on July 15, the victims died between July 9 and July 14 under what authorities are describing as “unclear circumstances.”
“The Department of Health, Mombasa County Government, has received unverified reports of the deaths of four individuals under unclear circumstances. Upon receiving this information, the Department immediately deployed an investigative team to the Migadini area to look into the reported cases and public concerns,” the statement read.
Residents now fear for their safety, saying they had interacted with the deceased and are worried about the unknown nature of the disease—and whether they could be next.
The Mombasa County Government has appealed to the public to cooperate with health workers by reporting any missing persons and avoiding contact with human remains.
“Although the health department has not found any evidence of an infectious disease at this stage, we urge the public to liaise with community health promoters, community leaders, and community-based organisations to report any cases of missing persons,” the statement added.
“The County Department continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
– Edwin Edgar Mutugi
