Addressing the press in Kisumu, Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth indicated that preliminary investigations showed that the four fatalities had pre-existing conditions, and that no other symptoms of the mysterious illness had been reported elsewhere.

On his part, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale indicated that samples drawn from the four bodies have since been taken to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for further analysis before an accurate report is issued.

"All the tests have been sent to our KEMRI labs in Kilifi and then we will tell the country what's going on but what the DG has said as our technical head is not only for me but for the whole country," Duale pointed out.

Four cases had been reported at the Migadini area in Changamwe, where four elderly persons had swollen bodies as well as pus-filled wounds, who later died in what residents claim were a result of the symptoms.

"We have not established any clear pattern. Our team is on the ground, led by the Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor," Amoth said

"As soon as we receive reports, we shall be able to share with you. No cause for alarm now because some of the cases are reported to have had co-existing conditions and they have been in contact with the health facilities."