Nakhumicha: What caused disease outbreak at Mukumu Girls
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has stated that students at Mukumu Girls High School may have been exposed to contaminated water over an extended period, leading to a disease outbreak in March. An environmental assessment conducted at the school revealed a concerning mix of sewage, spring water, and piped water, posing a significant risk of water contamination.
Improper waste disposal and sewage blockages, resulting in overflow and spillage into the spring and staff quarters, were also identified as factors contributing to exposure.
Furthermore, Nakhumicha noted that the school’s infrastructure was strained due to the high student population, with hostels accommodating more than 100 percent of the required bed capacity, causing overcrowding. She made these statements during her appearance before the National Assembly to explain the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of an unknown disease in Mukumu Girls High School in Kakamega County in March, which resulted in three student and one teacher fatality, along with over 100 students being hospitalized.
Laboratory results from human samples, including stool, blood, and postmortem tissue cultures, confirmed the presence of disease-causing microorganisms, notably enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Salmonella typhi. Infection with salmonella and E. coli is typically transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated water or food. Asymptomatic carriers played a role in contamination and transmission.
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The CS emphasized that risk factors for transmission included overcrowding, poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure, as well as inadequate food-handling practices. The government has since implemented measures to ensure affected students receive appropriate medical treatment and prevent future outbreaks, such as treating drinking and cooking water within the school premises and ensuring medical certification of food handlers.
Long-term initiatives include enhanced disease surveillance in schools, community engagement on food safety, and collaboration with other ministries, including Education, to enforce health policies and improve food safety.
In a related development, a store clerk, Chrisantus Mulimi, who was dismissed by the school for allegedly accepting contaminated cereals linked to the student and teacher fatalities, has filed a lawsuit against the school, seeking a declaration that his dismissal was unjust and unlawful. He has named school principal Jane Mmbone as the respondent in the case.
Nakhumicha: What caused disease outbreak at Mukumu Girls
