• Nine people have died after an outbreak of an unknown disease that has hit the northern county of Marsabit in the past two weeks
• Most of the deaths are said to have occurred in grazing areas, popularly known as Foras
• Authorities say over 80 others are seriously sick after the disease broke in Kargi, Loiyangalani Sub-county
Nine people have died after an outbreak of an unknown disease that has hit the northern county of Marsabit in the past two weeks.
Authorities say over 80 others are seriously sick after the disease broke in Kargi, Loiyangalani Sub-county. Most of the deaths are said to have occurred in grazing areas, popularly known as Foras.
Preliminary investigations from health officials indicate that it might be a form of violent malaria as patients are said to have been experiencing yellowish eyes, swollen spleen, severe headaches, and flu-like symptoms.
Malaria is prevalent in Laisamis Constituency.
The Marsabit County Health Department said in a statement on Thursday that a team of disease surveillance experts and laboratory technologists was on the ground working to identify the cause of the outbreak.
“We encourage residents to take preventative measures such as washing their hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding contact with sick people and seeking medical attention if they experience any symptoms,” officials said.
