Kala-azar: New disease outbreak in Wajir claims 18 lives, 106 hospitalised

A deadly outbreak of Kala-azar, a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, has hit Wajir County, leaving 18 dead and infecting more than 500 people in the last 3 months. 

With cases spreading across four sub-counties, the county government has launched an emergency response initiative to contain the situation. 

Health officials in Wajir County are struggling to manage the outbreak, which began in December last year and has spread to four sub-counties, with 106 patients currently hospitalized.

The medical personnel confirmed that 532 cases have been reported so far, with most patients recovering after treatment. The disease has claimed 18 people, most due to delayed medical attention.

"We are dealing with an endemic disease, but this outbreak is severe. We urge residents to seek medical attention immediately to avoid further fatalities," Dr. Ali, a pediatrician at Wajir County Referral Hospital said. 

Faced with an escalating health crisis, the Wajir County Government has stepped up containment measures, including expanding hospital capacity by setting up a new ward for incoming patients, procuring emergency medical supplies and mass fumigation in affected areas.

"We have set up multiple treatment centers and deployed medical teams across the county. Our biggest challenge remains late health-seeking behavior, which has cost lives," Ahmed Muhumed, Deputy Governor of Wajir County pointed out. 

The symptoms of Kala-Azar include weight loss, prolonged fever, diarrhoea and digestive tract problems, fatigue, anaemia, darkening of the skin, swollen lymph nodes and an enlarged spleen and liver.

Health officials are warning that the situation could worsen if residents fail to report symptoms early. The county is calling on partners and national authorities to support ongoing efforts to prevent a full-scale health crisis.