Kisii records 61 cases of diarrhoea linked to contaminated water

The Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of an illness presenting with diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain and headaches in South Mugirango, Kisii County, with 61 cases identified.

The outbreak has affected Amarondo, Nyabigege and Nyangiro villages.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 3, the ministry said initial tests point to a contaminated spring as the likely source of infection, with bacteria commonly found in human or animal faecal matter confirmed in water samples.

“The water is unsafe for human consumption unless properly treated,” said Health Principal Secretary Mary Muriuki.

Muriuki’s statement comes a day after health officials reported a mysterious disease in the region affecting over 200 people in three villages.

Further laboratory tests on stool samples from patients are ongoing to determine the specific causative agent.

A rapid response team is conducting line listing of cases, contact tracing and active case finding to contain the spread.

The ministry has intensified public health education and water treatment interventions.

Residents have been advised to boil or use chlorine-based chemicals to treat drinking water, practise hand hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms.

“We remain committed to identifying the exact cause of this outbreak and implementing measures to prevent further spread,” said Muriuki.