“I want to first and foremost say pole very much to the families that have been affected by this disease. We assure them that we are doing all possible to ensure they go back to their normal lives,” Muthoni said.
Deadly Disease Hits Kisii: Over 200 Infected as Health Officials Rush to Contain Spread
Contaminated Water Found to Be the Cause After extensive investigations, health officials discovered that a community well supplying water to the affected villages contained faecal matter.
“We have gone round the village and up to the water source. We established that it contains faecal matter, which has contaminated the water. Samples collected from homes also tested positive for faecal contamination,” Muthoni stated.
Health Officials Warn Against Using Contaminated Water Authorities are now working to prevent further infections by advising residents to stop using the contaminated water immediately.
“From today henceforth, community members should abstain from using that water source. Let them use alternative sources so that we don’t have more people going to the hospital,” Muthoni warned.
Health PS Mary Muthoni said the collected samples were analysed in a government chemist
Government Steps Up Disease Surveillance Health authorities have intensified disease surveillance and screening efforts to control the outbreak. Water samples have been sent to the government chemist for further analysis to identify specific pathogens responsible for the illness.
“The samples will help us determine the exact cause of the disease and guide our response measures,” Muthoni added.
Over 200 Residents Affected The outbreak has hit villages including Nyabigege, Nyamarondo, and Nyarigiro, infecting more than 200 residents. Victims are experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever, persistent diarrhoea—often with blood—intense headaches, and joint pain. Many have also reported vomiting, loss of appetite, and general body weakness.
Several patients have been hospitalised in facilities such as Tabaka Mission Hospital, Nyatike Level Two Hospital, Prina Hospital, and Royal Hospital in Rongo.
