“Kenya Warns of Unknown Disease Outbreak in Kakamega West County, 4 Dead”

The Kenyan Ministry of Health has warned of an outbreak of an unknown disease among hundreds of people in Kakamega West County, which has so far resulted in the death of 4 of the infected.

The country’s Director-General of Health, Patrick Amuth, said that the disease was discovered in the Mokomo Girls’ and Puteri Boys’ Schools, where 627 infections were recorded as of April 14.

“Unfortunately, we lost 4 people from Kakamega West Province to this unknown disease,” he added. He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement that the disease is accompanied by fever, abdominal pain or cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Extensive investigations are underway to determine the type and cause of the disease.

While the preliminary data analyzed indicates that the disease appears to have started to spread on March 15th.

Examinations and procedures

The government has since closed the two affected schools as investigations continue, and 19 students suffering from the disease are currently receiving treatment at 7 health facilities across the country.

The ministry took many samples of water, food and human tissues from the affected areas to conduct preliminary laboratory tests.

The tests conducted revealed symptoms similar to those seen in patients with “Escherichia coli” and “Salmonella enteric typhimurium”.

The Ministry confirmed that all laboratory tests conducted for patients were negative for viral hemorrhagic fever diseases, including Ebola, Marburg, leptospirosis, Crimean and Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, Rift Valley fever, and West Nile virus.

The outbreak has many Kenyans fearful of spreading to other parts of the country, and health experts said the disease had characteristics similar to those seen in waterborne diseases.

In this regard, epidemiologist Elizabeth Manya said that what is required now is the cooperation of the population in following good hygiene instructions, and seeking medical attention early if they develop any symptoms.