Written by Lisa Murimi
The government has assured swift action following a public health scare in Kisii County, where over 200 people have been hospitalized with an unidentified illness.
Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced that emergency surveillance teams from the Ministry of Health had been deployed to investigate and contain the outbreak.
Speaking at a church event in Mwea, Kirinyaga, she emphasized that national health experts were working alongside county officials to analyze collected samples and identify the cause.
“Health is a devolved function, but in such situations, we send national officers, particularly from the surveillance department, to conduct comprehensive investigations,” Muthoni stated.
She urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the situation was under control.
A multi-agency government team stationed in South Mugirango, where the outbreak began, has advised locals to seek immediate medical attention.
Patients have reported symptoms including severe diarrhea with bloody stools, fever, and intense headaches.
The illness, which emerged three weeks ago, has spread to three villages: Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyarigiro.
Several individuals are receiving treatment at Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, and private facilities.
Authorities await test results to determine the next steps in managing the outbreak.
