The Ministry of Health is on heightened alert following reports of a strange life-threatening disease in South Mugirango Constituency, Kisii County, which preliminary investigations indicate is water-borne.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni confirmed that officials were working round the clock to contain the disease, which has left several people grounded and others hospitalised in at least three villages in Nyatike sub-location.
Those affected have complained of high fever, diarrhoea and dizziness.
"We have sent a team of doctors to collect samples to identify the disease," Ms Muthoni said during a tour of Mwea, Kirinyaga County.
The PS appealed to the country to remain calm, saying the situation was under control.
"Our officers are on the ground collecting samples. We will update the country on the progress as we move forward," she said.
Health officials in Kisii told journalists on Monday that at least 100 people had shown signs of the disease, but they were all out of danger.
The officials, who have been touring the villages on a fact-finding mission, told Nation.Africa , they suspect the source of the disease is contaminated water from a well shared by the three villages.
Ms Muthoni said the national government was working closely with the Kisii County government to prevent the spread of the disease.
“Health is a devolved function, but when there is an outbreak of a disease, we work together to save lives," she said.
Ms Muthoni said the government would soon embark on prevention measures once the disease is identified.
In Kisii, Dr Walter Mokamba who is the South Mugirango Medical Officer of Health (MOH) said Amarango, Nyabige, Ebikeni and Nyarigiro villages had reported cases of the disease.
“We have visited a natural spring that serves a huge population, and the water may be contaminated. As a result of that, the Kisii County Government has collected samples which they have taken to government chemists and we expect the results later today or tomorrow,” Dr Mokamba said on Monday.
Ms Stellah Kwamboka, who fell ill two weeks ago and is still recovering, says she experienced joint pains, headaches, vomiting and lack of appetite. Stella
Photo credit: Ruth Mbula | Nation Media Group
The mysterious disease was first reported two weeks ago, according to officials and residents.
Ms Stellah Kwamboka, who fell ill two weeks ago, said she experienced joint pains, headache, vomiting and loss of appetite.
“We are pleading with the government to assist us with medication more so for our children who are the worst hit,” Ms Kwamboka said.
Some of the villagers wondered how the water which they had used for so many years without any health risk could be the cause of the mysterious disease.
“Once the disease attacks a member of one household, it affects everyone there,” a villager said.
Steve Nyagaka claimed that the disease was first detected in his household after it attacked his wife and children.
“It has affected eight people in my family, and the disease has troubled us because we don’t have money,” he said.
Mr Nyagaka added that even though they were covered by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) it had not helped them much.
“The hospitals are not giving us the right medication. Our condition is not improving at all instead, it is worsening,” he explained.
Dr Mokamba said that several people who had contracted the disease had sought treatment in both private and public health facilities in the area.
“In the villages, new cases are coming up while others are responding well to treatment,” Mokamba said.
“As of now, the disease is well managed. We ask our people to seek treatment and ensure they use boiled water. We have issued a circular to our people to report cases to the sub-county and county surveillance teams,” Dr Mokamba said.
Meanwhile, the government is fighting the Monkeypox disease which has been reported in the country.
"We also have an outbreak of Monkeypox disease, and Kenyans should be careful not to contract it," PS Muthoni said.
“It is important that Kenyans observe hygiene measures to avoid contracting Monkeypox, which spread to Kenya from neighbouring countries," she said.
On the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) Ms Muthoni asked Kenyans to ignore propaganda and register.
“SHIF has few problems which are being addressed, but it is working; Kenyans should embrace it," she said.
