The government has launched an emergency response to contain a deadly outbreak of Kala-azar in Wajir and Marsabit counties. This mysterious disease has already resulted in the deaths of 25 people and infected over 617 others.
On Friday, March 28, Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni announced the urgent intervention, stating that the Ministry of Health was working to control the spread of the disease, which has severely affected the North Eastern region and parts of Baringo County.
“The Ministry of Health has activated an emergency response to manage the Kala-azar outbreak in Wajir and Marsabit counties, where we have recorded 617 cases,” PS Muthoni confirmed.
Government Deploys Mobile Labs for Faster Diagnosis
To enhance efforts to contain the outbreak, the government has deployed three mobile laboratories to the most affected sub-counties.
These mobile units are equipped with advanced molecular testing equipment, essential reagents, and protective gear to facilitate early diagnosis, active case detection, and timely treatment.
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted through sandfly bites.
If left untreated, it has a fatality rate of over 95%. Symptoms include persistent fever, significant weight loss, fatigue, anaemia, swollen lymph nodes, and an enlarged spleen and liver.
At the moment, Wajir County is struggling with an overwhelming number of cases, with 106 patients currently admitted in various health facilities.
The county’s Level 4 hospital has been hit the hardest, forcing a major shift in operations to accommodate the influx of patients. The disease has claimed 25 lives in the past three months alone.
National Government Steps In to Support Overwhelmed Local Authorities
The intervention by the national government comes at a critical time, as Wajir County officials had previously admitted they were unable to handle the rising number of cases on their own.
In response, the Ministry of Health has ramped up efforts by expanding hospital capacity, supplying emergency medical resources, and conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities on prevention and early treatment.
Additionally, the government is working with the National Treasury to release funds to support the fight against the disease. Health experts have linked Kala-azar to poor living conditions, malnutrition, and displacement of communities.
PS Muthoni urged residents in the affected regions to take preventive measures seriously and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms.
“We are asking people in these areas to seek treatment as soon as they notice any symptoms. We also encourage them to take preventive steps such as wearing long-sleeved clothes, applying insect repellents, and using insecticide-treated bed nets to reduce exposure to sandflies,” she advised.
Kala-azar Cases on the Rise in Kenya
The disease, which is endemic in Kenya’s Rift Valley, eastern, and north-eastern regions, was first reported in September 2024.
By January 2025, health officials in Tiaty, Baringo County, had raised the alarm over an increasing number of cases.
Kala-azar is the second deadliest parasitic disease globally, ranking just behind malaria. Health officials are now working around the clock to contain the outbreak and prevent further fatalities.
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