Malaria and Chikungunya Outbreak in Marsabit County, Kenya, May 2023: A Cross Sectional Study

Background Acute febrile illnesses are common cause of seeking health care in Sub-Sahara Africa especially among the under-five years. Understanding their causative pathogen is critical for optimal patient management. We characterized a febrile illness outbreak in Marsabit County to determine the magnitude of an outbreak, describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of the outbreak and, conduct Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE). Methods A retrospective review of laboratory registers and patients’ clinical notes was done at Kargi Health Centre, Korr Health Centre and Laisamis Sub-county Hospital. A case was any person presenting with febrile illness at the health facility or in the community from 13th to 24th May 2023. Cases were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to collect clinical and epidemiologic information. Approximately 4–5 ml of blood was collected from cases for laboratory differential diagnosis. Risk Communication and Community Engagement activities were conducted included interpersonal communication, focused manyattta group discussions and sensitization of community health promoters. Results Eighteen (18) case of Chikungunya and 12 cases of malaria were confirmed from the 72-blood specimen analysed during the investigation period. Of the 12 positives for malaria, 11 were P. falciparum and one (1) P. vivax. Of the 72 blood specimen analysed, three (3) had dual infection. One (1) death was reported. The deceased was positive for both Malaria P. falciparum and Chikungunya. Thirteen (13) Manyattas were visited where interpersonal communication was conducted as well as focused group discussion among manyatta residents and manyatta leaders. 200 Community Health Volunteers were sensitized on mosquito-borne diseases prevention and control in Laisamis Town. There was low knowledge on causes of febrile illness especially malaria. Conclusions The outbreak was driven by two (2) infections; Chikungunya virus infection (27%) and Malaria infection (12.5%). Sustained surveillance, vector control programs and awareness promotion are needed for early detection and control of possible mosquito-borne outbreaks.