The Ministry of Health has reported 11 new cases of a strange disease that has been causing anxiety in Kisii county in recent days.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 168, Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni said on Wednesday.
“The outbreak has primarily affected eight villages, with Amarondo village accounting for 64 per cent of the reported cases. Preliminary laboratory investigations have confirmed contamination of water sources which is a significant contributor to the outbreak,” she said in a press brief.
The PS said the ministry is working closely with the Kisii county government to combat further spread of the disease following the emergence of the new cases over the last 24 hours.
She said intervention measures include distribution of aqua tablets and practice of best hygiene standards, while plans are underway to start deworming school-going children and treat drinking water sources.
Muthoni said thus far, distribution of 44,350 tablets to the affected villages is ongoing to improve water safety.
She called on the local community to collaborate with ministry officers in rolling out efforts to lessen the impact of the outbreak on the affected population.
“Community sensitisation efforts are underway with community health promoters conducting door-to-door sensitisation to educate the residents on water treatment and sanitation,” she said.
The waterborne disease, which the ministry confirmed a week ago as one caused by contaminated water, has left villagers on edge, even after the government closed a spring located in South Mugirango after tests established that it was contaminated with faecal matter.
“We have established that the water from the spring is contaminated and hereby urge the people to stop consuming it forthwith,” the PS said on March 4.
Affected villagers reported experiencing general body aches, headaches, and burns in the stomach that would prompt diarrhea.
