Over 200 locals confirmed sick as mysterious illness grips South Mugirango

More than 200 locals have been confirmed sick with the unknown disease. A multi-agency government team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has advised locals to visit nearby hospitals as the ministry awaits the results from the government chemist.

Saturday morning, we find Veronica Nyomenda in the company of Amarondo villagers rushing one of her three children who has been struck by a mysterious disease currently ravaging three villages in South Mugirango. 

Fear is evident on everyone's face here, this young girl is among hundreds who have been having running stomachs with bloody stool, fever and extreme headaches. It's been going on for the last two weeks.

She, however, didn't manage to secure her daughter's treatment because she could not afford cash and opted to take her back home.

A few metres from here, another family is in agony; seven members are down with the disease. Their mother is the latest, and she is assisted by neighbors, as walking has since become a problem.

About 200 metres from this homestead, we meet yet another family struggling with their loved ones who are experiencing similar symptoms.

These antibiotics they were given from a nearby level two hospital is what they have been depending on, even though the incessant pain has persisted.

The situation is no better in this orphanage; more than 15 children here were rushed to the hospital after exhibiting similar symptoms..

A multi-agency team has been scouring the villages, trying to understand what is happening. 

Locals have also been told to boil water they intend to use, with samples already taken to the government chemist for further analysis.

Since the outbreak of the disease, an unknown number of locals have been rushed to Tabaka Mission hospital, Nyatike level two hospital, Prina hospital and Royal hospital in Rongo, among other private facilities in the area.