Kisii: Health Ministry intensifies measures to curb unknown disease

The Ministry of Health has intensified preparedness measures in Kisii County following an outbreak of an unknown disease.

In a statement Tuesday evening, the Health Ministry said it had activated a team to oversee the disease outbreak.

In response, the Ministry has activated a rapid response team conducting line listing of cases, contact tracing and active case finding to curb the spread of the illness.

According the ministry, preliminary findings indicated that the likely source of the infection is a contaminated spring which serves as the primary water source for the affected villages.

The Health Ministry noted that initial results confirmed the presence of bacteria commonly found in human or animal faecal matter, rendering the water unsafe for human consumption unless properly treated.

“Further laboratory analysis of stool samples from affected patients is ongoing to determine the specific causative agent,” read the statement.

A total of 61 cases have been reported in Amarondo, Nyabigege and Nyangiro villages, South Mugirango sub-county, Kisii County.