The government has linked the mysterious illness in Kisii County to water contamination. The outbreak has hit South Mugirango Constituency, affecting over 200 residents.
Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health, confirmed that a contaminated community well caused the illness. She revealed that tests showed the well contained faecal matter.
The Ministry of Health sent medical experts to the affected villages. Health officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) collected water samples for analysis. The samples were later sent to the government chemist for further testing.
Residents in Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyarigiro have reported severe symptoms. These include high fever, diarrhoea, sometimes with blood-intense headaches, vomiting, joint pain, and loss of appetite. The symptoms have lasted for two weeks, leading to hospitalisations. Patients are receiving treatment at Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Prina Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Rongo.
Authorities have advised residents to boil all drinking and cooking water. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with county officials, is monitoring the situation. Disease surveillance and screening efforts have been intensified to contain the outbreak.