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Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 42399298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-59068-8

Genomic investigation reveals local persistence and regional circulation of dengue virus associated with recent outbreaks in Kenya.

Sci Rep

Authors: Solomon K Langat, Sheila Kageha, Victor Jeza, Genay Pilarowski, Albert Nyunja, Paul E Oluniyi, Juliana Gil, Nelly Ogada, Lewis Gande, Jane Thiiru, Seth Okeyo, Pascah Bulia, Jael Amugongo, Victor Ofula, Francis Mutuku, Cristina M Tato, Samoel Khamadi, Joel Lutomiah, Konongoi Limbaso

Affiliations

  • Centre for Virus Research, KEMRI, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Centre for Virus Research, KEMRI, Nairobi, Kenya.
  • Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya.
  • Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, USA.

Abstract

Dengue is an arbovirus disease caused by dengue virus. The virus has recently caused a global surge in cases, with Africa reporting over 250 million and 900 deaths since 2023. This study was conducted during the 2023 dengue outbreak in Mombasa, with the aim of understanding outbreak cases in the context of earlier cases and recent global epidemics. During the 2023 outbreak, 56 of 406 samples tested positive for DENV: including DENV-1, DENV-2, and DENV-3. The study generated 38 whole genome sequences, 24 from 2023 to 14 from cases identified between 2020 and 2025. Phylogenetic analysis showed DENV-2 exhibited patterns suggesting long-term local circulation, while DENV-1 and DENV-3 were more widespread regionally, and are linked to recent outbreaks in Eastern and Western Africa. These findings highlight the need for integrated strategies to curb dengue in Kenya, such as measures to disrupt local transmission as well as importation of new strains.

MeSH

Disease Outbreaks, Viruses, Dengue, Satellite Viruses, Dengue Virus