Bilharzia, worm infections surge in Bungoma despite county efforts

Bungoma County is grappling with a worrying rise in bilharzia and intestinal worm infections, despite ongoing efforts by the county government in partnership with the Africa Institute for Health Development (AIHD) to combat these Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

Through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the county has partnered with AIHD to roll out mass drug administration and public sensitization campaigns targeting bilharzia and intestinal worms.

 However, health officials warn that infection rates remain alarmingly high in several rural areas.

Micah Nyairo, Bungoma County Sanitation Officer, confirmed that although the joint intervention has led to a modest reduction in some areas, the overall burden of disease remains significant due to persistent sanitation challenges.

“Poor sanitation continues to be the greatest obstacle in our fight against bilharzia and worms. Open defecation, low latrine coverage, and the use of contaminated water sources are still common in many villages,” Nyairo said.

Currently, the county’s pit latrine coverage stands at 86.6%, still below the 100% target needed to stop open defecation and break the transmission cycle of NTDs.

Nyairo noted that only seven out of the 45 wards have achieved over 97% coverage—qualifying them for Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

“Many residents still defecate in bushes or near rivers. These practices are directly contributing to the high infection rates. Every household must prioritize building and using pit latrines,” Nyairo emphasized.

Despite the ongoing distribution of free deworming drugs to schools and communities, the county continues to report new cases of bilharzia and worm-related complications. Health workers say poor hygiene practices, such as bathing and washing in rivers, are exacerbating the problem.

Dr Dickens Lubanga, a paediatrician at Bungoma County Referral Hospital, has sounded the alarm over a surge in parasitic infections among children, warning that cases of iron deficiency anaemia and severe intestinal complications are on the rise.

“We are seeing more children presenting with symptoms of heavy worm infestations—bloated stomachs, vomiting, stunted growth, and anaemia. In some severe cases, worms have caused intestinal blockages requiring surgery,” said Dr. Lubanga.

He urged the public to embrace deworming medication, which is being distributed for free through Ministry of Health initiatives targeting both school-going children and adults.

“Worms and bilharzia are preventable. Communities must treat deworming seriously children should be dewormed every three months, and adults at least twice a year,” he added.

Bilharzia, a disease spread by parasitic worms via waterborne snails, is re-emerging in communities where stagnant water is prevalent. Health experts are seeing increasing numbers of bilharzia cases in local clinics, signalling a public health setback.

Nyairo stressed that open defecation and water contamination are key drivers of NTDs in the region.

“When people use rivers for bathing and other domestic activities, they expose others downstream to infection. This cycle must end if we are to protect public health,” he said.

Robert Wetoto, Bungoma County’s NTD Coordinator, noted that apart from bilharzia and intestinal worms, other NTDs affecting residents include scabies, jiggers, leprosy, sleeping sickness, and snake bites. However, worm infestations remain the most widespread, especially among school-aged children.

In response to the worsening situation, the county has scheduled a mass deworming campaign from June 23 to 27 targeting both schools and households.

The initiative will be led by Community Health Promoters (CHPs) conducting door-to-door visits.

“We are urging all residents to support this effort. Deworming is critical to reducing disease burden and improving productivity and school attendance,” said Wetoto

Clare Amuyunzu, a representative of AIHD, emphasized the need for sustained community engagement and behaviour change.

“Our focus is on educating the public about disease prevention. Drug administration is just one part of lasting change that comes from improved hygiene and sanitation practices,” said Amuyunzu.

She noted that AIHD is implementing similar health programs in other counties including Kakamega, Busia, Trans-Nzoia, and coastal regions areas that also report high NTD burdens.

Despite notable interventions by the Bungoma County Government and partners like AIHD, the rising number of bilharzia and worm infections underscores the urgent need for stronger sanitation practices, increased public participation in deworming, and continued education on hygiene.

Without sustained community behaviour change, health officials warn the fight against these preventable diseases may stall.