Mysterious Illness Spreads in Kenya’s Kisii County as Officials Probe Water Sources.
Authorities in Kisii County have ramped up efforts to identify and contain a mysterious illness as more individuals continue to fall ill. The number of hospitalized patients has risen by at least 20, compelling health officials to scrutinize village water sources as a possible cause. The health ministry has launched investigations in an attempt to curb the outbreak.
Now in its third week, the illness continues to afflict residents, including a mother and her three-year-old child who are suffering from severe headaches, fatigue, stomach pains, and diarrhea. In another instance, a young woman endures intense pain, experiencing bloody diarrhea and a dangerously high fever.
Health facilities in the region remain overwhelmed as medical personnel work urgently to determine the source of the disease. Kennedy Omari, the County Health Promotion Officer, confirmed that 20 additional patients have been transferred to various hospitals for treatment.
“We have been moving around, and so far, we have rushed 20 more people to various hospitals,” said Kennedy Omari, the County Health Promotion Officer.
Some patients have been undergoing treatment for several days. John Obara, a 60-year-old resident, expressed relief as he began to recover after three days of medical care. He emphasized the urgency of government intervention, urging authorities to act promptly in addressing such crises.
Residents of the affected villages are growing increasingly anxious, demanding that investigations be expedited. Eunice Ombasa, from South Mugirango, expressed disbelief that contaminated water could be the cause, stating that despite frequent hospital visits, the root of the ailment remains unclear.
Robert Masese, a resident of Nyabigege, echoed these concerns, stressing that while health officials had visited, the community’s primary concern was the swift completion of investigations to determine the illness’s origin.
“I still can’t believe it’s our water causing this. We keep going to the hospital, but no one knows what is afflicting us,” said Eunice Ombasa, a resident of South Mugirango.
In response, health officials have intensified efforts to uncover the cause of the outbreak. A team from the Ministry of Health headquarters in Nairobi has joined Kisii County counterparts on a fact-finding mission in Amarongo, one of the affected villages. Their primary focus remains on examining local water sources for potential contamination.
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Dr. Richard Onkware, Kisii County’s Chief Health Officer, stated that investigations are ongoing in collaboration with experts from Nairobi. He added that findings from the government chemist are expected the following day, which could provide crucial insights into the illness’s cause.
As residents await answers, health authorities continue their efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Mysterious Illness Spreads in Kenya’s Kisii County as Officials Probe Water Sources.
