174 Students Hospitalized as Mysterious Illness Strikes Amabuko
Around 174 students from Amabuko Secondary School in Kisii recently faced a health crisis that necessitated immediate hospitalization on a Monday. The cause of this outbreak is suspected to be food poisoning, raising significant concerns about the quality of food provided to the students.
The distressing ordeal began in the early hours of Monday, with affected students suffering from severe abdominal pains and diarrhea. In response, they were rapidly transported to Keroka Sub-County Hospital, Ichuni Mission Hospital, and Gucha Hospital to receive medical attention.
Rigoma Ward MCA, Nyambega Gisesa, lauded the swift response to the crisis, particularly in light of a recent incident in Vihiga. He acknowledged that the issue at Amabuko Secondary School is suspected to be related to contaminated water and food.
Medical staff at Keroka Hospital were well-prepared to provide care to the affected students, equipped with sufficient medical supplies and a skilled workforce to address the emergency. Local residents also rushed to the school to assist with evacuations, suspecting that the illness may have resulted from a meal of beans and vegetables consumed by the students on Sunday night.
This incident highlights concerns about the living conditions in boarding schools, especially as student populations increase, while investments in essential infrastructure like classrooms and dormitories remain inadequate. Many institutions grapple with sanitation challenges and issues related to access to clean water. Additionally, the rising cost of living places added financial pressure on school administrations.
Earlier in the year, other schools faced health crises, such as St. Theresa’s Eregi Girls High School, which had to send students home due to an outbreak of an unidentified disease. Blood samples from the affected students were sent to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for further analysis. Mukumu Girls also experienced a severe diarrheal outbreak resulting in the tragic loss of four lives, including three students and a teacher, leading to the temporary closure of the school.
In response to these incidents, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu mandated the establishment of safety sub-committees in all institutions to ensure that students adhere to proper sanitation practices at all times. This highlights the importance of ensuring the health and safety of students in educational institutions.
174 Students Hospitalized as Mysterious Illness Strikes Amabuko
