A mysterious disease invaded the town of Kagi in Marsabit County, northern Kenya, killing nine people and seriously ill more than 80 others, raising many questions about the possibility of it spreading to another country.
According to Russia Today, Musa Galuru, the district’s chief commander, said on Wednesday: “We have lost nine people so far, and at least 80 others are bedridden in the villages.” He called for immediate intervention to contain the outbreak and prevent further deaths. He said six of the deaths were adults and three children, aged between one and three years.
The disease, which was first reported two weeks ago, is suspected to be a strong form of malaria, according to initial investigations by health officials.
Reported symptoms include a flu-like illness, yellow eyes, severe headaches, a swollen spleen, and one victim showing signs similar to kala-azar.
A species of invasive mosquito was found in Laisamis and Sako districts of Marsabit district by the Kenya Medical Research Institute two months before the outbreak, but so far this disease is in Kenya’s borders and is unlikely to be transmitted to another country.
The Marsabit County Health Department said Thursday that it is working closely with other health agencies, and all necessary measures are being taken to identify, contain and manage the outbreak.
Earlier this week, the department also said the situation was under control as a team of disease control experts and laboratory technicians were collecting blood samples for verification.
