Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni in Kirinyaga County on Sunday, 2nd March, 2025. Photo/Newsflash
By Daisy Okiring
A health crisis is unfolding in South Mugirango, Kisii County, where a mysterious disease has infected more than 200 residents, causing widespread panic across three villages.
The outbreak, which presents severe symptoms such as high fever, bloody diarrhea, and intense headaches, has overwhelmed local healthcare facilities as authorities scramble to identify the cause.
Residents in distress as illness spreads rapidly
The affected villages, including Amarondo, have been thrown into uncertainty, with families struggling to care for sick loved ones. Among them is Veronica Nyomenda, a distressed mother who was forced to take her critically ill child back home after failing to afford medical treatment at a local hospital.
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“I rushed my child to the hospital, but without money, I couldn’t get proper treatment. Now, I don’t know what to do,” Nyomenda lamented.
In another household, seven family members, including their mother, have been struck by the disease. The situation is equally dire at a local orphanage, where over 15 children had to be rushed to hospitals after showing symptoms.
Overwhelmed hospitals awaits laboratory results
The outbreak has led to a surge in hospital admissions, with patients being treated at Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Royal Hospital, and Prina Hospital. However, with no confirmed diagnosis, many patients are only receiving symptomatic treatment, including antibiotics, which may not be addressing the root cause of the illness.
To determine the source of the outbreak, health officials have collected patient samples for analysis at the government chemist, and the results are expected to offer critical insights.
Government deploys experts to contain the disease
In response to growing public concern, the Ministry of Health has partnered with a multi-agency government task force to investigate the cause and prevent further spread.
“The government is treating this matter with urgency. We have deployed medical teams to reinforce county health officials already on the ground,” said Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.
She further assured residents that intensified disease surveillance and screening efforts are underway to pinpoint the exact cause.
Precautionary measures issued to residents
As investigations continue, health authorities have urged locals to boil all drinking and cooking water as a precautionary measure.
“Until we confirm the cause, residents must take preventive steps like boiling water to reduce exposure to possible contaminants,” the Ministry advised.
The government has pledged to provide further updates once laboratory findings are available.
Similar mysterious outbreak in DRC Congo
This incident echoes a recent outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a mysterious flu-like illness claimed 143 lives between November 10 and November 25, 2024. The disease, which caused fever, coughing, breathing difficulties, and anemia, infected more than 300 people, primarily affecting those aged 15 and below.
As Kisii County awaits conclusive medical findings, the government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines.
