MOMBASA, Kenya – Police in Chaani, Mombasa, have launched an investigation into the death of a 55-year-old man, whose decomposed body was discovered in his house days after he reportedly died while suffering from Dengue fever.
The man, identified as Julius Oyugi, was found on July 14, seated on the floor and leaning against his sofa, in what authorities believe was a lonely and tragic death.
“We suspect he died at least three days before the body was discovered,” said a police officer from the Chaani Police Station.
According to a caretaker at the residential complex, a foul smell emanating from Oyugi’s unit raised alarm. Upon forcing the door open, he was met with the unsettling sight of the decomposing body and immediately alerted authorities.
Police arrived at the scene and moved the body to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Further investigation revealed that Oyugi had been receiving treatment for Dengue fever at a clinic in Port Reitz, but it remains unclear whether the illness directly led to his death.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease common in tropical and subtropical climates, including the Kenyan coast. It is caused by the dengue virus, spread primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Nausea or vomiting
While many recover with supportive care such as hydration and rest, severe cases can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death.
“There is no specific cure for dengue. The best prevention remains avoiding mosquito bites, especially in high-risk areas,” health officials from Mombasa County emphasized.
Health officials continue to monitor Dengue outbreaks across coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale, urging the public to use mosquito nets, repellents, and eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
