Kala-azar outbreak in Kenya: update

The Kala-azar outbreak in Wajir County has so far killed nine people and infected over 500. To curb the spread of the disease, local authorities have deployed a specialized health team to the worst-hit areas Eldas and Wajir West for a 10-day fumigation and spraying exercise. The exercise aims to eliminate sandflies, the primary carriers of the disease-causing micro-organisms. County Director for Public Health Mohamed Hassan Maalim said they want to reach at least 6000 households in the intervention, stopping the increase of insects favored by recent floods. In addition to fumigation and spraying, the specialized health team will conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public about Kala-azar and its modes of transmission. According to Ahmed Guhad, the County Chief Officer for Medical Services, most reported cases are in the Eldas, Wajir West, and Wajir East constituencies. All deaths were children under five. Guhad acknowledged several challenges in responding to the outbreak, including strained health facilities and inadequate testing kits. Hassan Abbas Ahmed, the County Director of Medical Services, confirmed these challenges saying that the Wajir Referral Hospital has been overwhelmed by Kala-azar patients, forcing the creation of additional wards and the transfer of some patients to Makoror Hospital.
Kala-azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is caused by the Leishmania parasite. It is spread through sandfly bites and its symptoms include prolonged fever, diarrhea, fatigue, and an enlarged spleen and liver. If untreated, the disease can be fatal. Health officials urged residents to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms of the disease.