The Wajir County government has launched an emergency response plan to contain a deadly outbreak of Kala-azar, a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite.
Over the past three months, the disease has claimed the lives of 18 individuals, with more than 500 people reported to be infected.
The outbreak has spread across four sub-counties, overwhelming local health services. As of now, 106 patients are hospitalized, and health officials are facing challenges in managing the situation, which began in December of last year
Medical personnel have confirmed that 532 cases have been reported so far, with most patients recovering after treatment.
Some of the containment measures, according to Deputy Governor Ahmed Muhumed include expanding hospital capacity by setting up a new ward for incoming patients, procuring emergency medical supplies and mass fumigation in affected areas.
Health officials are warning that the situation could worsen if residents fail to report symptoms early.
The county is calling on partners and national authorities to support ongoing efforts to prevent a full-scale health crisis.
Explainer: What is Kala-azar
Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, is a serious, neglected tropical disease in Kenya. It is transmitted by sandfly bites and primarily affects the Rift Valley, Eastern, and Northeastern regions. The leishmania parasite causes it, and if left untreated, it is fatal in over 95% of cases.
It is endemic in 80 countries around the world. In 2022, eastern Africa accounted for 73% of global VL cases, half of which occurred in children aged under 15 years.
The symptoms of Kala-Azar include weight loss, prolonged fever, diarrhoea and digestive tract problems, fatigue, anaemia, darkening of the skin, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen and liver.
