The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued five advisories after a mysterious disease broke out in the South Mugirango Constituency in Kisii County.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 4, the MoH said investigations have so far identified a total of 61 cases.
The mysterious illness has affected over 200 residents across villages such as Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyarigiro.
“The Ministry of Health has received an alert regarding an outbreak of an illness presenting with diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, and headaches in Amarondo, Nyabigege, and Nyangiro villages, South Mugirango Sub-County, Kisii County,” read the statement in part.
The Ministry also mentioned that it has activated a rapid response team conducting line listing of cases, contact tracing, and active case finding to curb the spread of the illness.
Strange Disease in Kisii Linked to Contaminated Water
According to the MoH, initial tests indicate that the likely source of the infection is a contaminated spring, which serves as the primary water source for the affected villages.
“Laboratory results have confirmed the presence of bacteria commonly found in human or animal faecal matter, rendering the water unsafe for human consumption unless properly treated,” read the statement in parts.
“Further laboratory analysis of stool samples from affected patients is ongoing to determine the specific causative agent.”
Consequently, the government has closed the spring in the South Mugirango Constituency after laboratory analysis found the water unfit for human consumption.
“We have established that the water from the spring is contaminated and hereby urge the people to stop consuming it, forthwith,” Muthoni said.
“We ask the people to abstain from drawing water from the spring and instead find alternative sources of supply,” she said.
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MoH Issues 5 Public Health Advisory
To prevent further spread of the disease, the Ministry has advised residents to adhere to these five preventive measures.
- Ensure drinking water is safe – Always boil water or use chlorine-based water treatment chemicals before consumption.
- Store drinking water properly – Keep water in clean, covered containers to prevent contamination.
- Practice good hand hygiene- Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
- Use proper sanitation facilities – Always use well-constructed toilets or pit latrines to prevent contamination of water sources.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you or anyone in your household develops symptoms, and visit the nearest health facility for prompt care.
Meanwhile, the MoH stated that in collaboration with county health officials and other stakeholders, it is taking urgent steps to contain the outbreak, including intensified public health education, water treatment interventions, and continued surveillance.
“We remain committed to identifying the exact cause of this outbreak and implementing measures to prevent further spread, ensuring the health and safety of all affected communities,” the statement read further.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, March 3, sent a team to South Mugirango to assess laboratory capacity, support laboratory officers in identifying the disease, and enhance coordination and capacity for outbreak response.
Since the outbreak began, individuals have been admitted to Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, and various private healthcare facilities.
Patients suffering from the disease have reported symptoms including severe diarrhoea with bloody stools, fever, fatigue and intense headaches.
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