- Muthoni says the Ministry is expanding hospital capacity, providing emergency medical supplies, and conducting community sensitization to enhance awareness and prevention.
The Ministry of Health has launched an emergency response to contain the Kala-azar outbreak in Wajir and Marsabit counties, where 617 cases have been reported.
According to the Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, the Ministry of Health has flagged off three mobile laboratories equipped with molecular testing equipment, reagents, and protective gear to support early diagnosis, active case finding, and timely treatment in the most affected sub-counties. This is aimed at strengthening containment efforts.
“Kala-azar, a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies, is fatal in over 95% of untreated cases. It presents with prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen and liver. Currently 106 patients are hospitalized in Wajir,’ she said.
Muthoni says the Ministry is expanding hospital capacity, providing emergency medical supplies, and conducting community sensitization to enhance awareness and prevention.
“We urge the public to seek medical attention early if experiencing symptoms and to take preventive measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellents, and sleeping under insecticide-treated nets,” she added.
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The Ministry reassures the public that full response measures are in place to curb the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease that has claimed 25 lives over the past three months.
