The government says the mysterious illness that has emerged in Kisii County, particularly affecting the South Mugirango Constituency, is a result of water contamination.
The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, confirmed that the mysterious illness identified last month was caused by the contamination of a community well.
The PS further revealed that the well was contaminated with faecal matter.
“Tests confirmed the presence of faecal matter in a community well which has contaminated the water, making it the likely source of the outbreak. Samples from the affected also show the presence of the matter,” she said.
The PS urged residents to refrain from using the contaminated water source and seek alternative clean water sources.
“However, preliminary investigations already are telling us that this water is not good for human consumption. I want to urge every member of this community to please observe a high level of hygiene,” she added.
The disease has affected residents across three villages, including Nyabigege, Nyamarondo and Nyarigiro. Symptoms reported include high fever, persistent diarrhea with bloody stools, dizziness, intense headaches, joint pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Those infected have been admitted to Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Prina Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Rongo.
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health deployed a team of medical experts to the affected areas to investigate the outbreak and support local health officials. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday joined the search for the cause of the illness.