Mombasa on High Alert as Four Die From Mysterious Illness

Mombasa is on high alert as health officials investigate a cluster of unexplained deaths in Matangini, a neighbourhood within Migadini. 

Since 9 July, four individuals have been found dead in their homes, each displaying eerily similar symptoms of severe blistering, peeling skin, and burn-like injuries. The victims, aged between 55 and 91, were discovered in advanced states of decomposition. 

The discovery of three bodies on Monday alone triggered widespread panic, prompting the County Government of Mombasa to deploy a public health response team for sample collection and initial investigations. Community members express high anxiety, exacerbated by the graphic condition of the deceased and the uncertainty surrounding the cause of death.

"They looked like they had been scalded with hot water," a resident recounted, describing the distressing physical state of the victims. 

Another witness said that touching the deceased caused the skin to peel away, intensifying fears of a communicable disease and calls for potential isolation protocols. Local leaders are urging the government to expedite laboratory testing and release findings to quell the growing unrest.

Adding to the concerns, two additional individuals displaying similar symptoms are currently receiving hospital treatment, suggesting that the incident may not be isolated. In response, residents have taken precautionary measures, including wearing gloves and face masks, although many remain unsure whether these actions are sufficient.

An official press briefing scheduled for Tuesday evening was abruptly cancelled. However, the County Department of Health released a statement confirming that it had received reports of four unexplained deaths and had launched a formal investigation. The department noted that all four victims had pre-existing health conditions. 

The bodies are currently preserved at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, where post-mortem examinations are underway. Despite the alarming visual presentation and pattern of deaths, authorities have not yet established any evidence of a contagious outbreak. Nonetheless, the health department is advising residents to observe strict hygiene, promptly report missing persons, and avoid direct contact with human remains. 

National health authorities have echoed the message of vigilance while cautioning against panic. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reassured the public during a radio interview on Wednesday that a national surveillance team is actively analysing the collected samples.

"The public is urged to remain calm as the Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely," she said, emphasising that comprehensive testing is in progress to determine the nature of the illness and whether it poses a broader threat.

Muthoni also addressed ongoing concerns about the Mpox virus, reaffirming that it remains a top priority for health officials. She cited strengthened surveillance efforts at border crossings and ports of entry, supported by rapid response teams primed to act on any reported case. 

Beyond the immediate response in Mombasa, the Principal Secretary highlighted broader national public health gains. Kenya’s recent mass vaccination campaign has achieved impressive coverage, with over 16.1 million children immunised against typhoid and more than 5.18 million vaccinated against measles-rubella, reflecting 84 and 81 per cent achievement rates of the respective targets.