MOMBASA — Health officials in Mombasa have ruled out an infectious disease outbreak following the deaths of four people in the Migadini area, despite growing concern among residents.
The County Department of Health confirmed on Tuesday that all four individuals had pre-existing medical conditions. Their bodies, which residents said were found swollen with peeling skin, were transferred to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary. Post-mortem examinations are expected to determine the exact cause of death.
“The Department of Health received unverified reports of the deaths under unclear circumstances and immediately deployed an investigative team to the scene,” the county health department said in a public statement.
Samples from the deceased have been forwarded to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for laboratory testing to rule out any hidden biological cause.
Despite public speculation, county officials urged residents to remain calm, stating there was no evidence of a communicable illness.
“At this stage, we have found no indication of an infectious disease,” the department said. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and will share updates as soon as more details are confirmed.”
Health officers have asked residents to stay alert, follow hygiene practices, and report unusual symptoms or missing persons to local health promoters and community leaders.
The deaths have triggered fear in Migadini, where families and neighbors remain on edge. Local reports claimed visible symptoms on the victims’ bodies stirred concern about possible contamination or poisoning, but no official source has confirmed these claims.
Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities focused on ruling out environmental or toxicological causes as a precaution.
The county government said it would “provide a conclusive update once laboratory findings and autopsy reports are complete.”
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