In early 2025, multiple counties in northern Kenya reported an increase in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) — a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. Marsabit, Wajir, and Samburu counties are known endemic areas and experienced a surge in suspected and confirmed cases.

Marsabit County reported 227 suspected cases between November 2024 and March 2025, with all laboratory-confirmed cases referred for treatment. Most patients were children and male pastoralists. The County had strengthened preparedness before the outbreak through healthcare worker training, distribution of test kits, and household fumigation. Samburu County detected its index case on January 15, 2025, after several patients presented with prolonged fever, weight loss and abdominal swelling. Confirmed patients were referred to Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment. Wajir County recorded 413 suspected cases by March 5, 2025, including 11 deaths, all among children under eight years old. Eldas Sub-county reported over half of all cases. Confirmatory testing was done using rK-39 and DAT, with some cases treated based on clinical assessment.

A joint investigation involving the Ministry of Health, WHO, KEMRI, Amref Health Africa, and FELTP reviewed hospital records, conducted case investigations, collected laboratory samples, and assessed health system preparedness. Public awareness and on-job training for healthcare workers were also conducted to strengthen case detection, management and response.