A strange illness has affected residents of Kisii County, especially in South Mugirango Constituency. The government has linked the outbreak to water contamination.
Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, revealed that the sickness, which was first reported last month, was caused by the poisoning of a community well.
On Tuesday, March 4, she stated that the well had been contaminated with faeces, leading to the spread of the disease.In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health deployed a team of medical experts to the affected areas to investigate the situation and assist local health officials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also joined the investigation on Monday in an effort to determine the exact cause of the illness.
Health officers visited the wells in the affected villages, collecting water samples for laboratory testing. PS Muthoni confirmed that the samples had been sent to the government chemist for further analysis.
The mysterious ailment has affected more than 200 people in villages such as Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyarigiro. Patients are experiencing severe symptoms, including high fever, persistent diarrhea sometimes with blood intense headaches, and joint pain.
Others report nausea, loss of appetite, and general body weakness. The illness has lasted for about two weeks, forcing many to seek treatment at various health facilities, including Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Prina Hospital, and the Royal Hospital in Rongo.
In an effort to control the situation, authorities have advised residents to boil all drinking and cooking water to prevent further infections.
The Ministry of Health, working with local health officials, has intensified monitoring efforts to track the spread of the disease.
Disease surveillance and screening activities have also been increased to identify the exact cause and implement necessary containment measures.
The government’s confirmation that the water source was contaminated with faeces has raised concerns about the safety of drinking water in the region.
Many residents rely on wells and rivers for their daily water needs, making them vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Experts warn that poor sanitation and lack of clean water infrastructure could contribute to similar outbreaks in the future.
While investigations are still ongoing, the affected communities remain on high alert. Some residents have called for immediate intervention, including the provision of clean water sources to prevent another crisis.
Health officials continue to urge vigilance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining hygiene and ensuring water is safe before consumption.
The situation remains critical as experts work to contain the disease and prevent further spread.
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