Mystery illness kills nine, leaves 80 ill in Kenya.
An unknown disease outbreak in Kargi Location, Marsabit County has resulted in the death of at least nine people and severe illness of over 80 others. Senior Chief Moses Galoro has requested immediate action to prevent additional fatalities, and preliminary tests suggest the possibility of a severe malaria outbreak.
Out of the 27 patients examined, only five tested positive for malaria, while the other victims exhibited symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, yellow eyes, and severe headaches.
A recent death at Kargi Health Centre showed symptoms similar to visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar disease. Urgent virology tests and mass screenings are necessary to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, according to Galoro. Additionally, the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti was discovered in Laisamis and Saku areas of Marsabit County two months before the outbreak.
The Ministry of Health has dispatched a medical team to investigate the outbreak and provide medical assistance to the affected people. The team will also conduct screenings and raise awareness in the community about the importance of early medical intervention. The county government has urged residents to maintain basic hygiene practices like proper waste disposal and avoiding stagnant water, which are ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes.
The outbreak is a wake-up call for strengthening disease surveillance systems and investing in local health systems’ capacity to respond quickly to outbreaks. It highlights the importance of early detection, containment, and management of infectious diseases, especially in remote areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
The local government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should consider conducting an entomological survey to determine the mosquito population and transmission dynamics of the disease. Also, vector control measures such as fumigation and insecticide-treated bed nets should be put in place to mitigate further spread of the disease.
Moreover, there should be continuous monitoring of disease outbreaks, and an efficient reporting system should be in place to facilitate timely responses. This will ensure that outbreaks are detected early and appropriate measures are taken promptly to prevent further spread of the disease.
The outbreak in Marsabit County is a reminder that infectious diseases are still a threat to public health. It is crucial to maintain robust health systems and invest in research to identify and manage emerging infectious diseases effectively.
